College Costs in Vancouver, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 7 colleges in Vancouver, 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
$1,260
per month
Colleges & Universities
7
institutions
Vancouver Overview
Population
190,915
Student Population
9,847 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
108.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
58/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Vancouver
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,416
Total After Financial Aid
$107,416
Annual Cost
$26,854
Annual After Aid
$26,854
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,416 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,220 |
| Total Interest | $38,946 |
| Total Loan Cost | $146,362 |
Universities in Vancouver
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver State University | Public | $12,455 |
| University of Vancouver | Public | $11,321 |
| Vancouver Community College | Community | $6,084 |
Vancouver has 7 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Vancouver vs. National Average
| Category | Vancouver | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,260 | $1,050 | +$210 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108.5 | 100 | +8.5 |
Vancouver'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 Vancouver
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
9,847 students
Vancouver has a total population of 190,915, with approximately 9,847 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Vancouver offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Vancouver
$33,014
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Vancouver earn a median starting salary of $33,014, which is -$1,986 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,416 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,206 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Washington
Seattle
16 colleges · Avg tuition $12,076
Spokane
20 colleges · Avg tuition $13,119
Tacoma
25 colleges · Avg tuition $10,637
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
Bellevue
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
Kent
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
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