College Costs in Anaheim, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 19 colleges in Anaheim, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$6,920
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$37,099
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,729
per month
Colleges & Universities
19
institutions
Anaheim Overview
Population
350,365
Student Population
17,909 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
117 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
36/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Anaheim
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,432
Total After Financial Aid
$95,432
Annual Cost
$23,858
Annual After Aid
$23,858
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,432 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,084 |
| Total Interest | $34,601 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,033 |
Universities in Anaheim
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cal State Fullerton | Public | $6,920 |
| Fullerton College | Community | $1,540 |
Anaheim has 19 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Anaheim vs. National Average
| Category | Anaheim | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,920 | $10,940 | -$4,020 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,729 | $1,050 | +$679 |
| Cost of Living Index | 117 | 100 | +17 |
Anaheim'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 Anaheim
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
17,909 students
Anaheim has a total population of 350,365, with approximately 17,909 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Anaheim offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Anaheim
$50,456
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Anaheim earn a median starting salary of $50,456, which is $15,456 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,432 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,487 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
Los Angeles
69 colleges · Avg tuition $13,804
San Diego
68 colleges · Avg tuition $10,911
San Jose
95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
San Francisco
22 colleges · Avg tuition $7,266
Fresno
37 colleges · Avg tuition $7,302
Sacramento
38 colleges · Avg tuition $7,488
Long Beach
14 colleges · Avg tuition $4,169
Oakland
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
Bakersfield
18 colleges · Avg tuition $7,309
Stockton
27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
Riverside
20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
Santa Ana
27 colleges · Avg tuition $1,540
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Anaheim
How we compile Anaheim 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.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Anaheim institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Anaheim's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
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
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