College Costs in The Woodlands, TX 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in The Woodlands, 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
$864
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
The Woodlands Overview
Population
116,278
Student Population
6,172 (5.3%)
Cost of Living Index
90.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
59/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for The Woodlands
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$98,028
Total After Financial Aid
$98,028
Annual Cost
$24,507
Annual After Aid
$24,507
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $98,028 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,113 |
| Total Interest | $35,543 |
| Total Loan Cost | $133,571 |
Universities in The Woodlands
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| The Woodlands State University | Public | $11,502 |
| University of The Woodlands | Public | $9,563 |
| The Woodlands Community College | Community | $4,914 |
The Woodlands has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in The Woodlands vs. National Average
| Category | The Woodlands | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,900 | $10,940 | -$40 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $864 | $1,050 | -$186 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.5 | 100 | -9.5 |
The Woodlands'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 The Woodlands
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,172 students
The Woodlands has a total population of 116,278, with approximately 6,172 college students (5.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, The Woodlands offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in The Woodlands
$42,682
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in The Woodlands earn a median starting salary of $42,682, which is $7,682 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $98,028 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,472 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Texas
Houston
90 colleges · Avg tuition $10,200
San Antonio
58 colleges · Avg tuition $10,740
Dallas
82 colleges · Avg tuition $11,274
Austin
30 colleges · Avg tuition $11,448
Fort Worth
19 colleges · Avg tuition $10,870
El Paso
38 colleges · Avg tuition $8,886
Corpus Christi
22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,426
Plano
9 colleges · Avg tuition $2,220
Lubbock
26 colleges · Avg tuition $11,380
Irving
23 colleges · Avg tuition $7,612
Laredo
14 colleges · Avg tuition $7,850
Garland
23 colleges · Avg tuition $11,277
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