College Costs in Stafford, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Stafford, 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
$753
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Stafford Overview
Population
17,693
Student Population
2,600 (14.7%)
Cost of Living Index
85.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Stafford
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$97,324
Total After Financial Aid
$97,324
Annual Cost
$24,331
Annual After Aid
$24,331
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $97,324 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,105 |
| Total Interest | $35,287 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,611 |
Universities in Stafford
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Stafford State University | Public | $11,251 |
| Stafford Community College | Community | $4,968 |
Stafford has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Stafford vs. National Average
| Category | Stafford | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $753 | $1,050 | -$297 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.9 | 100 | -14.099999999999994 |
Stafford's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Stafford
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,600 students
Stafford has a total population of 17,693, with approximately 2,600 college students (14.7% of the population). Stafford has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Stafford
$36,056
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~92 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Stafford earn a median starting salary of $36,056, which is $1,056 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $97,324 (including room and board), it would take approximately 92 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,358 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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