College Costs in Spokane, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 20 colleges in Spokane, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,119
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$49,320
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,678
per month
Colleges & Universities
20
institutions
Spokane Overview
Population
228,989
Student Population
16,347 (7.1%)
Cost of Living Index
121 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Spokane
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$105,420
Total After Financial Aid
$105,420
Annual Cost
$26,355
Annual After Aid
$26,355
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $105,420 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,197 |
| Total Interest | $38,223 |
| Total Loan Cost | $143,643 |
Universities in Spokane
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga University | Private | $50,380 |
| Whitworth University | Private | $48,260 |
| Spokane Falls Community College | Community | $4,479 |
Spokane has 20 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Spokane vs. National Average
| Category | Spokane | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $13,119 | $10,940 | +$2,179 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,678 | $1,050 | +$628 |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 100 | +21 |
Spokane'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 Spokane
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
16,347 students
Spokane has a total population of 228,989, with approximately 16,347 college students (7.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Spokane offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Spokane
$63,395
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Spokane earn a median starting salary of $63,395, which is $28,395 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $105,420 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,489 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Washington
Seattle
16 colleges · Avg tuition $12,076
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
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