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College Cost Planning in Weslaco, TX 2026

Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Weslaco, Texas. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.

Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory

DegreeCalc treats Weslaco as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.

Avg Public Tuition

$10,900

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$36,000

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$822

per month

Local Cost Market

2

benchmark points

Weslaco Overview

Population

41,065

Student Population

3,116 (7.6%)

Cost of Living Index

95.3 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

44/100

Transit Score

17/100

Unemployment Rate

3.6%

College Cost Calculator for Weslaco

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$98,448

Total After Financial Aid

$98,448

Annual Cost

$24,612

Annual After Aid

$24,612

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$43,600
Room & Board$54,848

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$98,448
Monthly Payment$1,118
Total Interest$35,695
Total Loan Cost$134,143

Education Cost Benchmarks in Weslaco

These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.

Institution count

2

Public tuition

$10,900

Private tuition

$36,000

Community college

$5,482

Cost of Living in Weslaco vs. National Average

CategoryWeslacoNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$10,900$10,940-$40
Monthly Rent Near Campus$822$1,050-$228
Cost of Living Index95.3100-4.700000000000003

Weslaco's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.

Student Life in Weslaco

44

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

17

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

7.6%

Student Population

3,116 students

Weslaco has a total population of 41,065, with approximately 3,116 college students (7.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Weslaco offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Weslaco

$37,118

Starting Salary

3.6%

Unemployment Rate

66%

Graduation Rate

~46.5 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Weslaco earn a median starting salary of $37,118, which is $2,118 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 46.5 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $11,955 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.

Other Cities in Texas

Methodology & Education Data Sources for Weslaco

How we compile Weslaco college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.

  1. Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Weslaco institutions, updated annually.
  2. Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
  3. Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
  4. Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
  5. Local context: Weslaco's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.

Authoritative US education data sources:

Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does college cost in Weslaco, TX?

Average annual in-state public university tuition in Weslaco is $10,900. Private university tuition averages $36,000, and community college tuition averages $5,482. When room and board ($13,712/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $24,612.

How many local cost benchmarks are used for Weslaco, TX?

Weslaco uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 3,116, which represents 7.6% of the total population.

What is the average rent near campus in Weslaco?

The average rent near college campuses in Weslaco is approximately $822 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 95.3 (national average is 100), a walk score of 44, and a public transit score of 17. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.

What is the average starting salary after college in Weslaco?

College graduates in Weslaco earn a median starting salary of $37,118. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%. With an average financial aid package of $11,955 per student and a 66% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.

Is it worth going to college in Weslaco, TX?

With a median starting salary of $37,118 and an average 4-year public university cost of $98,448 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 46.5 years. The 66% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.

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