College Costs in Bell Gardens, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Bell Gardens, 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
$2,286
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Bell Gardens Overview
Population
42,155
Student Population
2,748 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
148.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Bell Gardens
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$121,836
Total After Financial Aid
$121,836
Annual Cost
$30,459
Annual After Aid
$30,459
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $121,836 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,383 |
| Total Interest | $44,175 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,011 |
Universities in Bell Gardens
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bell Gardens State University | Public | $15,407 |
| Bell Gardens Community College | Community | $6,888 |
Bell Gardens has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bell Gardens vs. National Average
| Category | Bell Gardens | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,286 | $1,050 | +$1,236 |
| Cost of Living Index | 148.5 | 100 | +48.5 |
Bell Gardens'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 Bell Gardens
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,748 students
Bell Gardens has a total population of 42,155, with approximately 2,748 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bell Gardens offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bell Gardens
$42,354
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~17 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bell Gardens earn a median starting salary of $42,354, which is $7,354 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $121,836 (including room and board), it would take approximately 17 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,656 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
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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
Anaheim
19 colleges · Avg tuition $6,920
Stockton
27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
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Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bell Gardens
How we compile Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens 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: Bell Gardens'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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