College Costs in South Tucson, AZ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in South Tucson, Arizona. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,215
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
South Tucson Overview
Population
26,188
Student Population
2,372 (9.1%)
Cost of Living Index
106.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for South Tucson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$100,460
Total After Financial Aid
$100,460
Annual Cost
$25,115
Annual After Aid
$25,115
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $100,460 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,141 |
| Total Interest | $36,424 |
| Total Loan Cost | $136,884 |
Universities in South Tucson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| South Tucson State University | Public | $10,555 |
| South Tucson Community College | Community | $5,567 |
South Tucson has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in South Tucson vs. National Average
| Category | South Tucson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,400 | $10,940 | +$460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,215 | $1,050 | +$165 |
| Cost of Living Index | 106.5 | 100 | +6.5 |
South Tucson'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 South Tucson
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,372 students
South Tucson has a total population of 26,188, with approximately 2,372 college students (9.1% of the population). South Tucson has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in South Tucson
$44,037
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in South Tucson earn a median starting salary of $44,037, which is $9,037 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $100,460 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,624 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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