College Costs in Seattle, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 16 colleges in Seattle, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,076
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$49,119
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,508
per month
Colleges & Universities
16
institutions
Seattle Overview
Population
737,015
Student Population
55,138 (7.5%)
Cost of Living Index
120 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
80/100
Transit Score
37/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Seattle
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$120,884
Total After Financial Aid
$120,884
Annual Cost
$30,221
Annual After Aid
$30,221
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $120,884 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,373 |
| Total Interest | $43,830 |
| Total Loan Cost | $164,714 |
Universities in Seattle
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | Public | $12,076 |
| Seattle University | Private | $51,435 |
| Seattle Pacific University | Private | $46,803 |
| Seattle Central College | Community | $4,479 |
Seattle has 16 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Seattle vs. National Average
| Category | Seattle | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,076 | $10,940 | +$1,136 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,508 | $1,050 | +$458 |
| Cost of Living Index | 120 | 100 | +20 |
Seattle'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 Seattle
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
55,138 students
Seattle has a total population of 737,015, with approximately 55,138 college students (7.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Seattle offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Seattle
$53,194
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Seattle earn a median starting salary of $53,194, which is $18,194 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $120,884 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,675 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Washington
Spokane
20 colleges · Avg tuition $13,119
Tacoma
25 colleges · Avg tuition $10,637
Bellingham
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,771
Kennewick
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,841
Olympia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $8,148
Pullman
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,841
Walla Walla
4 colleges · Avg tuition $13,257
Ellensburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,721
Cheney
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,139
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