College Costs in Arcadia, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Arcadia, 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
$2,091
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Arcadia Overview
Population
57,939
Student Population
4,391 (7.6%)
Cost of Living Index
155.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Arcadia
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,860
Total After Financial Aid
$126,860
Annual Cost
$31,715
Annual After Aid
$31,715
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,860 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,440 |
| Total Interest | $45,996 |
| Total Loan Cost | $172,856 |
Universities in Arcadia
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arcadia State University | Public | $15,017 |
| Arcadia Community College | Community | $6,586 |
Arcadia has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Arcadia vs. National Average
| Category | Arcadia | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,091 | $1,050 | +$1,041 |
| Cost of Living Index | 155.3 | 100 | +55.30000000000001 |
Arcadia'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 Arcadia
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,391 students
Arcadia has a total population of 57,939, with approximately 4,391 college students (7.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Arcadia offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Arcadia
$50,881
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Arcadia earn a median starting salary of $50,881, which is $15,881 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,860 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,480 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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