College Costs in Wenatchee, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Wenatchee, 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
$1,773
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Wenatchee Overview
Population
34,710
Student Population
3,268 (9.4%)
Cost of Living Index
110.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Wenatchee
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$102,008
Total After Financial Aid
$102,008
Annual Cost
$25,502
Annual After Aid
$25,502
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $102,008 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,158 |
| Total Interest | $36,986 |
| Total Loan Cost | $138,994 |
Universities in Wenatchee
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wenatchee State University | Public | $10,828 |
| Wenatchee Community College | Community | $5,239 |
Wenatchee has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wenatchee vs. National Average
| Category | Wenatchee | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,773 | $1,050 | +$723 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110.9 | 100 | +10.900000000000006 |
Wenatchee'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 Wenatchee
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,268 students
Wenatchee has a total population of 34,710, with approximately 3,268 college students (9.4% of the population). Wenatchee has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wenatchee
$42,473
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~14 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wenatchee earn a median starting salary of $42,473, which is $7,473 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $102,008 (including room and board), it would take approximately 14 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,102 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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