College Costs in San Antonio, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 58 colleges in San Antonio, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,740
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,722
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,569
per month
Colleges & Universities
58
institutions
San Antonio Overview
Population
1,547,253
Student Population
95,539 (6.2%)
Cost of Living Index
120 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
89/100
Transit Score
75/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for San Antonio
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,032
Total After Financial Aid
$86,032
Annual Cost
$21,508
Annual After Aid
$21,508
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,032 |
| Monthly Payment | $977 |
| Total Interest | $31,193 |
| Total Loan Cost | $117,225 |
Universities in San Antonio
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at San Antonio | Public | $10,740 |
| Trinity University | Private | $47,908 |
| St. Mary's University | Private | $33,536 |
| Alamo Colleges | Community | $2,604 |
San Antonio has 58 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in San Antonio vs. National Average
| Category | San Antonio | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,740 | $10,940 | -$200 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,569 | $1,050 | +$519 |
| Cost of Living Index | 120 | 100 | +20 |
San Antonio'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 San Antonio
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Excellent Transit
Student Population
95,539 students
San Antonio has a total population of 1,547,253, with approximately 95,539 college students (6.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, San Antonio offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in San Antonio
$48,461
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in San Antonio earn a median starting salary of $48,461, which is $13,461 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,032 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,745 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
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
Amarillo
14 colleges · Avg tuition $9,030
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