College Costs in Clearlake, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Clearlake, 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
$2,190
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Clearlake Overview
Population
32,723
Student Population
3,526 (10.8%)
Cost of Living Index
159.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Clearlake
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$123,752
Total After Financial Aid
$123,752
Annual Cost
$30,938
Annual After Aid
$30,938
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $123,752 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,405 |
| Total Interest | $44,869 |
| Total Loan Cost | $168,621 |
Universities in Clearlake
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Clearlake State University | Public | $14,474 |
| Clearlake Community College | Community | $6,618 |
Clearlake has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clearlake vs. National Average
| Category | Clearlake | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,190 | $1,050 | +$1,140 |
| Cost of Living Index | 159.8 | 100 | +59.80000000000001 |
Clearlake'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 Clearlake
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,526 students
Clearlake has a total population of 32,723, with approximately 3,526 college students (10.8% of the population). Clearlake has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clearlake
$41,763
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~18 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clearlake earn a median starting salary of $41,763, which is $6,763 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $123,752 (including room and board), it would take approximately 18 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,552 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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