College Costs in Richland, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Richland, 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
$1,629
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Richland Overview
Population
60,560
Student Population
5,015 (8.3%)
Cost of Living Index
108.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Richland
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,016
Total After Financial Aid
$101,016
Annual Cost
$25,254
Annual After Aid
$25,254
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,016 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,147 |
| Total Interest | $36,626 |
| Total Loan Cost | $137,642 |
Universities in Richland
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Richland State University | Public | $12,920 |
| Richland Community College | Community | $5,811 |
Richland has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Richland vs. National Average
| Category | Richland | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,629 | $1,050 | +$579 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108.7 | 100 | +8.700000000000003 |
Richland'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 Richland
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,015 students
Richland has a total population of 60,560, with approximately 5,015 college students (8.3% of the population). Richland has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Richland
$51,889
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Richland earn a median starting salary of $51,889, which is $16,889 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,016 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,698 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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