College Costs in Tumwater, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Tumwater, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,488
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Tumwater Overview
Population
25,483
Student Population
2,986 (11.7%)
Cost of Living Index
110.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Tumwater
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$108,628
Total After Financial Aid
$108,628
Annual Cost
$27,157
Annual After Aid
$27,157
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $108,628 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,233 |
| Total Interest | $39,386 |
| Total Loan Cost | $148,014 |
Universities in Tumwater
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Tumwater State University | Public | $12,025 |
| Tumwater Community College | Community | $5,568 |
Tumwater has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Tumwater vs. National Average
| Category | Tumwater | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,488 | $1,050 | +$438 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110.4 | 100 | +10.400000000000006 |
Tumwater'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 Tumwater
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,986 students
Tumwater has a total population of 25,483, with approximately 2,986 college students (11.7% of the population). Tumwater has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Tumwater
$41,055
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~18 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Tumwater earn a median starting salary of $41,055, which is $6,055 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $108,628 (including room and board), it would take approximately 18 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,507 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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