College Costs in Tucson, AZ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 24 colleges in Tucson, Arizona. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,664
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$31,536
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,892
per month
Colleges & Universities
24
institutions
Tucson Overview
Population
542,629
Student Population
21,782 (4.0%)
Cost of Living Index
116 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
88/100
Transit Score
57/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Tucson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,308
Total After Financial Aid
$103,308
Annual Cost
$25,827
Annual After Aid
$25,827
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,308 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,173 |
| Total Interest | $37,457 |
| Total Loan Cost | $140,765 |
Universities in Tucson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | Public | $12,748 |
| Pima Community College | Public | $2,580 |
| Prescott College | Private | $31,536 |
| Pima Community College | Community | $2,580 |
Tucson has 24 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Tucson vs. National Average
| Category | Tucson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,664 | $10,940 | -$3,276 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,892 | $1,050 | +$842 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116 | 100 | +16 |
Tucson'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 Tucson
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
21,782 students
Tucson has a total population of 542,629, with approximately 21,782 college students (4.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Tucson offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Tucson
$59,681
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Tucson earn a median starting salary of $59,681, which is $24,681 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,308 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,106 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Arizona
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Chandler
22 colleges · Avg tuition $9,605
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26 colleges · Avg tuition $11,758
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16 colleges · Avg tuition $12,652
Scottsdale
16 colleges · Avg tuition $2,580
Tempe
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,467
Yuma
8 colleges · Avg tuition $2,580
Flagstaff
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,966
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