College Costs in Port Arthur, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Port Arthur, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,900
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$36,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$960
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Port Arthur Overview
Population
54,010
Student Population
3,069 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
92 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Port Arthur
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,088
Total After Financial Aid
$96,088
Annual Cost
$24,022
Annual After Aid
$24,022
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,088 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,091 |
| Total Interest | $34,839 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,927 |
Universities in Port Arthur
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Port Arthur State University | Public | $10,584 |
| Port Arthur Community College | Community | $5,376 |
Port Arthur has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Port Arthur vs. National Average
| Category | Port Arthur | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $960 | $1,050 | -$90 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 100 | -8 |
Port Arthur's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Port Arthur
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,069 students
Port Arthur has a total population of 54,010, with approximately 3,069 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Port Arthur offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Port Arthur
$35,545
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~176 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Port Arthur earn a median starting salary of $35,545, which is $545 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,088 (including room and board), it would take approximately 176 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,342 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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