College Costs in Richardson, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Richardson, 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
$1,035
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Richardson Overview
Population
121,323
Student Population
6,783 (5.6%)
Cost of Living Index
101.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
32/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Richardson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$102,084
Total After Financial Aid
$102,084
Annual Cost
$25,521
Annual After Aid
$25,521
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $102,084 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,159 |
| Total Interest | $37,013 |
| Total Loan Cost | $139,097 |
Universities in Richardson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Richardson State University | Public | $11,885 |
| University of Richardson | Public | $10,944 |
| Richardson Community College | Community | $5,436 |
Richardson has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Richardson vs. National Average
| Category | Richardson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,035 | $1,050 | -$15 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.5 | 100 | +1.5 |
Richardson's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Richardson
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,783 students
Richardson has a total population of 121,323, with approximately 6,783 college students (5.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Richardson offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Richardson
$45,976
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Richardson earn a median starting salary of $45,976, which is $10,976 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $102,084 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,088 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Texas
Houston
90 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
San Antonio
58 colleges · Avg tuition $10,740
Dallas
82 colleges · Avg tuition $11,274
Austin
30 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
Fort Worth
19 colleges · Avg tuition $10,870
El Paso
38 colleges · Avg tuition $8,886
Corpus Christi
22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,426
Plano
9 colleges · Avg tuition $2,220
Lubbock
26 colleges · Avg tuition $11,380
Irving
23 colleges · Avg tuition $7,612
Laredo
14 colleges · Avg tuition $7,850
Garland
23 colleges · Avg tuition $11,277
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities