College Costs in South Padre Island, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in South Padre Island, Texas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,900
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$36,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$705
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
South Padre Island Overview
Population
49,464
Student Population
2,515 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
101.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for South Padre Island
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$100,064
Total After Financial Aid
$100,064
Annual Cost
$25,016
Annual After Aid
$25,016
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $100,064 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,136 |
| Total Interest | $36,281 |
| Total Loan Cost | $136,345 |
Universities in South Padre Island
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| South Padre Island State University | Public | $10,727 |
| South Padre Island Community College | Community | $5,930 |
South Padre Island has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in South Padre Island vs. National Average
| Category | South Padre Island | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $705 | $1,050 | -$345 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.2 | 100 | +1.2000000000000028 |
South Padre Island's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in South Padre Island
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,515 students
South Padre Island has a total population of 49,464, with approximately 2,515 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, South Padre Island offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in South Padre Island
$37,219
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~45 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in South Padre Island earn a median starting salary of $37,219, which is $2,219 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $100,064 (including room and board), it would take approximately 45 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,226 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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