College Costs in Brea, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Brea, 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
$2,241
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Brea Overview
Population
47,325
Student Population
2,776 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
153 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
College Cost Calculator for Brea
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,140
Total After Financial Aid
$127,140
Annual Cost
$31,785
Annual After Aid
$31,785
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,140 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,444 |
| Total Interest | $46,098 |
| Total Loan Cost | $173,238 |
Universities in Brea
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Brea State University | Public | $13,579 |
| Brea Community College | Community | $6,505 |
Brea has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Brea vs. National Average
| Category | Brea | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,241 | $1,050 | +$1,191 |
| Cost of Living Index | 153 | 100 | +53 |
Brea'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 Brea
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,776 students
Brea has a total population of 47,325, with approximately 2,776 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Brea offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Brea
$55,232
Starting Salary
5.1%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Brea earn a median starting salary of $55,232, which is $20,232 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,140 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,189 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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