College Costs in Reston, VA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Reston, Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,230
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Reston Overview
Population
62,141
Student Population
4,861 (7.8%)
Cost of Living Index
102 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
College Cost Calculator for Reston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$112,656
Total After Financial Aid
$112,656
Annual Cost
$28,164
Annual After Aid
$28,164
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $112,656 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,279 |
| Total Interest | $40,846 |
| Total Loan Cost | $153,502 |
Universities in Reston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Reston State University | Public | $14,343 |
| Reston Community College | Community | $5,456 |
Reston has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Reston vs. National Average
| Category | Reston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,230 | $1,050 | +$180 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 100 | +2 |
Reston's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Reston
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,861 students
Reston has a total population of 62,141, with approximately 4,861 college students (7.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Reston offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Reston
$42,372
Starting Salary
2.4%
Unemployment Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
~15 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Reston earn a median starting salary of $42,372, which is $7,372 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $112,656 (including room and board), it would take approximately 15 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,827 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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