College Costs in White Center, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in White Center, 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
$1,365
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
White Center Overview
Population
15,800
Student Population
1,033 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
111.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
32/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for White Center
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,656
Total After Financial Aid
$101,656
Annual Cost
$25,414
Annual After Aid
$25,414
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,656 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,154 |
| Total Interest | $36,858 |
| Total Loan Cost | $138,514 |
Universities in White Center
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| White Center State University | Public | $12,391 |
| White Center Community College | Community | $5,301 |
White Center has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in White Center vs. National Average
| Category | White Center | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,365 | $1,050 | +$315 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111.7 | 100 | +11.700000000000003 |
White Center'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 White Center
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,033 students
White Center has a total population of 15,800, with approximately 1,033 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, White Center offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in White Center
$46,452
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in White Center earn a median starting salary of $46,452, which is $11,452 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,656 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,610 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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