College Cost Planning in Tacoma, WA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Tacoma, Washington. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Tacoma as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,637
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$52,153
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,229
per month
Local Cost Market
25
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Tacoma
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
25
Public tuition
$10,637
Private tuition
$52,153
Community college
$4,479
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
~4.1 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 4.1 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $8,864 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Vancouver
7 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
Bellevue
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
Kent
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Tacoma
How we compile Tacoma college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Tacoma institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Tacoma's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Tacoma, WA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Tacoma is $10,637. Private university tuition averages $52,153, and community college tuition averages $4,479. When room and board ($13,707/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $24,344.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Tacoma, WA?
Tacoma uses approximately 25 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 23,456, which represents 10.7% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Tacoma?
The average rent near college campuses in Tacoma is approximately $1,229 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 113 (national average is 100), a walk score of 45, and a public transit score of 23. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Tacoma?
College graduates in Tacoma earn a median starting salary of $58,789. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%. With an average financial aid package of $8,864 per student and a 60% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Tacoma, WA?
With a median starting salary of $58,789 and an average 4-year public university cost of $97,376 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 4.1 years. The 60% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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