College Costs in Altadena, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Altadena, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$2,430
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Altadena Overview
Population
19,743
Student Population
1,288 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
148.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
College Cost Calculator for Altadena
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$124,300
Total After Financial Aid
$124,300
Annual Cost
$31,075
Annual After Aid
$31,075
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $124,300 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,411 |
| Total Interest | $45,068 |
| Total Loan Cost | $169,368 |
Universities in Altadena
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Altadena State University | Public | $14,171 |
| Altadena Community College | Community | $6,194 |
Altadena has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Altadena vs. National Average
| Category | Altadena | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,430 | $1,050 | +$1,380 |
| Cost of Living Index | 148.2 | 100 | +48.19999999999999 |
Altadena'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 Altadena
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,288 students
Altadena has a total population of 19,743, with approximately 1,288 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Altadena offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Altadena
$42,769
Starting Salary
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~16 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Altadena earn a median starting salary of $42,769, which is $7,769 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $124,300 (including room and board), it would take approximately 16 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,984 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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