College Costs in SeaTac, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in SeaTac, 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
$1,731
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
SeaTac Overview
Population
31,454
Student Population
2,990 (9.5%)
Cost of Living Index
107.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for SeaTac
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,324
Total After Financial Aid
$101,324
Annual Cost
$25,331
Annual After Aid
$25,331
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,324 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,151 |
| Total Interest | $36,738 |
| Total Loan Cost | $138,062 |
Universities in SeaTac
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| SeaTac State University | Public | $11,836 |
| SeaTac Community College | Community | $5,825 |
SeaTac has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in SeaTac vs. National Average
| Category | SeaTac | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,731 | $1,050 | +$681 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107.1 | 100 | +7.099999999999994 |
SeaTac'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 SeaTac
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,990 students
SeaTac has a total population of 31,454, with approximately 2,990 college students (9.5% of the population). SeaTac has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in SeaTac
$44,958
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in SeaTac earn a median starting salary of $44,958, which is $9,958 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,324 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,578 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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