College Costs in Shoreline, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Shoreline, 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
$1,869
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Shoreline Overview
Population
57,027
Student Population
3,994 (7.0%)
Cost of Living Index
117.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Shoreline
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$109,532
Total After Financial Aid
$109,532
Annual Cost
$27,383
Annual After Aid
$27,383
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $109,532 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,244 |
| Total Interest | $39,714 |
| Total Loan Cost | $149,246 |
Universities in Shoreline
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Shoreline State University | Public | $11,020 |
| Shoreline Community College | Community | $5,671 |
Shoreline has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Shoreline vs. National Average
| Category | Shoreline | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,869 | $1,050 | +$819 |
| Cost of Living Index | 117.8 | 100 | +17.799999999999997 |
Shoreline'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 Shoreline
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,994 students
Shoreline has a total population of 57,027, with approximately 3,994 college students (7.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Shoreline offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Shoreline
$58,100
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Shoreline earn a median starting salary of $58,100, which is $23,100 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $109,532 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,194 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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