Planning your college budget for Texas? This guide uses official 2025-26 data from the Education Data Initiative and College Board to show what students actually spend at public universities in Austin, Houston, and Dallas and across the state. Numbers cover both on-campus and off-campus living scenarios.
Annual Cost Breakdown — Public Universities (2025-26)
| Expense | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
|---|
| Tuition & Fees (In-State) | $10,824 | $10,824 |
| Housing | $7,500 (dorm) | $10,200 (est. rent) |
| Meal Plan / Food | $5,200 (board) | $3,840 (groceries) |
| Books & Supplies | $1,240 | $1,240 |
| Transportation | $1,080 ($90/mo) | $1,080 ($90/mo) |
| Personal Expenses | $2,400 ($200/mo) | $2,400 ($200/mo) |
| Estimated Total | $28,244 | $29,584 |
Out-of-State Students: Tuition rises to $29,012, bringing the estimated on-campus total to approximately $46,432. Always check the official Cost of Attendance page at your specific school for the most accurate figure.
Sources: Education Data Initiative — Average Cost of College by State, AY2025-26 (educationdata.org). Books figure: College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Off-campus housing and personal estimates based on national student spending averages.
What to Know About Texas
- Texas has a lower overall cost of living than coastal states, making student budgets stretch further
- No state income tax means more take-home pay from part-time and internship work during school
- Austin, Houston, and Dallas have growing job markets with strong part-time and internship opportunities
- Car ownership is more common and often necessary — public transit outside major cities is limited
Money-Saving Tips for Texas Students
- Apply for the TEXAS Grant — the flagship needs-based grant that can cover full tuition at public universities
- Live off-campus with roommates in Austin or College Station for lower rent than most dorm options
- Shop at HEB for groceries — the most affordable and widely trusted chain for Texas students
- A used car is often worth the investment in Texas; gas and insurance are cheaper here than on the coasts
How to Use This Budget
These are averages across public universities in Texas. Your actual costs will vary based on your school, housing situation, and financial aid. Use this as a starting point to:
- Estimate how much you need to save, borrow, or earn before and during school
- Compare on-campus versus off-campus total costs side by side
- Identify which expenses can realistically be reduced
- Build a monthly spending plan once your housing and meal situation is confirmed