College Costs in Tacoma, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 25 colleges in Tacoma, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,637
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$52,153
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,229
per month
Colleges & Universities
25
institutions
Tacoma Overview
Population
219,346
Student Population
23,456 (10.7%)
Cost of Living Index
113 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
College Cost Calculator for Tacoma
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$97,376
Total After Financial Aid
$97,376
Annual Cost
$24,344
Annual After Aid
$24,344
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $97,376 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,106 |
| Total Interest | $35,306 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,682 |
Universities in Tacoma
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Puget Sound | Private | $56,156 |
| Pacific Lutheran University | Private | $48,150 |
| Tacoma Community College | Community | $4,479 |
Tacoma has 25 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Tacoma vs. National Average
| Category | Tacoma | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,637 | $10,940 | -$303 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,229 | $1,050 | +$179 |
| Cost of Living Index | 113 | 100 | +13 |
Tacoma'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 Tacoma
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
23,456 students
Tacoma has a total population of 219,346, with approximately 23,456 college students (10.7% of the population). Tacoma has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Tacoma
$58,789
Starting Salary
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Tacoma earn a median starting salary of $58,789, which is $23,789 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $97,376 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,864 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
Spokane
20 colleges · Avg tuition $13,119
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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