College Costs in Cathedral City, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Cathedral City, 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
$2,211
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Cathedral City Overview
Population
54,830
Student Population
2,842 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
150.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
College Cost Calculator for Cathedral City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,360
Total After Financial Aid
$127,360
Annual Cost
$31,840
Annual After Aid
$31,840
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,360 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,446 |
| Total Interest | $46,178 |
| Total Loan Cost | $173,538 |
Universities in Cathedral City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cathedral City State University | Public | $15,537 |
| Cathedral City Community College | Community | $6,441 |
Cathedral City has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cathedral City vs. National Average
| Category | Cathedral City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,211 | $1,050 | +$1,161 |
| Cost of Living Index | 150.7 | 100 | +50.69999999999999 |
Cathedral City'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 Cathedral City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,842 students
Cathedral City has a total population of 54,830, with approximately 2,842 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Cathedral City offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cathedral City
$49,478
Starting Salary
5.3%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cathedral City earn a median starting salary of $49,478, which is $14,478 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,360 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,709 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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