College Costs in Yakima, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Yakima, 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
$855
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Yakima Overview
Population
96,968
Student Population
6,493 (6.7%)
Cost of Living Index
92.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Yakima
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,260
Total After Financial Aid
$101,260
Annual Cost
$25,315
Annual After Aid
$25,315
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,260 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,150 |
| Total Interest | $36,714 |
| Total Loan Cost | $137,974 |
Universities in Yakima
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Yakima State University | Public | $11,266 |
| Yakima Community College | Community | $5,088 |
Yakima has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Yakima vs. National Average
| Category | Yakima | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $855 | $1,050 | -$195 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.5 | 100 | -7.5 |
Yakima's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Yakima
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,493 students
Yakima has a total population of 96,968, with approximately 6,493 college students (6.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Yakima offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Yakima
$28,291
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Yakima earn a median starting salary of $28,291, which is -$6,709 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,260 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,643 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
Vancouver
7 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
Bellevue
6 colleges · Avg tuition $11,800
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities