College Costs in Puyallup, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Puyallup, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,680
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Puyallup Overview
Population
43,505
Student Population
3,756 (8.6%)
Cost of Living Index
117.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Puyallup
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,708
Total After Financial Aid
$107,708
Annual Cost
$26,927
Annual After Aid
$26,927
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,708 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,223 |
| Total Interest | $39,052 |
| Total Loan Cost | $146,760 |
Universities in Puyallup
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Puyallup State University | Public | $11,870 |
| Puyallup Community College | Community | $6,052 |
Puyallup has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Puyallup vs. National Average
| Category | Puyallup | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,680 | $1,050 | +$630 |
| Cost of Living Index | 117.9 | 100 | +17.900000000000006 |
Puyallup's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Puyallup
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,756 students
Puyallup has a total population of 43,505, with approximately 3,756 college students (8.6% of the population). Puyallup has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Puyallup
$48,631
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Puyallup earn a median starting salary of $48,631, which is $13,631 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,708 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,568 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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