College Costs in The Dalles, OR 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in The Dalles, Oregon. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,137
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
The Dalles Overview
Population
15,340
Student Population
2,719 (17.7%)
Cost of Living Index
108.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for The Dalles
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$104,472
Total After Financial Aid
$104,472
Annual Cost
$26,118
Annual After Aid
$26,118
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $104,472 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,186 |
| Total Interest | $37,879 |
| Total Loan Cost | $142,351 |
Universities in The Dalles
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| The Dalles State University | Public | $11,644 |
| The Dalles Community College | Community | $5,460 |
The Dalles has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in The Dalles vs. National Average
| Category | The Dalles | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,400 | $10,940 | +$1,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,137 | $1,050 | +$87 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108.6 | 100 | +8.599999999999994 |
The Dalles'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 The Dalles
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,719 students
The Dalles has a total population of 15,340, with approximately 2,719 college students (17.7% of the population). As a major college town, The Dalles offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in The Dalles
$37,532
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~41 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in The Dalles earn a median starting salary of $37,532, which is $2,532 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $104,472 (including room and board), it would take approximately 41 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,586 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Oregon
Portland
24 colleges · Avg tuition $9,585
Eugene
14 colleges · Avg tuition $12,720
Salem
14 colleges · Avg tuition $12,943
Bend
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,580
Medford
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,326
Corvallis
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,150
Ashland
2 colleges · Avg tuition $10,326
Monmouth
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,731
Gresham
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,400
Hillsboro
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,400
Beaverton
4 colleges · Avg tuition $12,400
Springfield
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,400
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities