College Costs in Stanwood, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Stanwood, 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
$1,650
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Stanwood Overview
Population
20,724
Student Population
2,705 (13.1%)
Cost of Living Index
122.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Stanwood
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,092
Total After Financial Aid
$107,092
Annual Cost
$26,773
Annual After Aid
$26,773
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,092 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,216 |
| Total Interest | $38,829 |
| Total Loan Cost | $145,921 |
Universities in Stanwood
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Stanwood State University | Public | $11,145 |
| Stanwood Community College | Community | $6,058 |
Stanwood has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Stanwood vs. National Average
| Category | Stanwood | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,650 | $1,050 | +$600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 122.5 | 100 | +22.5 |
Stanwood'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 Stanwood
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,705 students
Stanwood has a total population of 20,724, with approximately 2,705 college students (13.1% of the population). Stanwood has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Stanwood
$46,223
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Stanwood earn a median starting salary of $46,223, which is $11,223 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,092 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,253 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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