College Costs in Costa Mesa, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Costa Mesa, 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
$2,640
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Costa Mesa Overview
Population
112,087
Student Population
7,086 (6.3%)
Cost of Living Index
160.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Costa Mesa
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,808
Total After Financial Aid
$126,808
Annual Cost
$31,702
Annual After Aid
$31,702
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,808 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,440 |
| Total Interest | $45,978 |
| Total Loan Cost | $172,786 |
Universities in Costa Mesa
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Mesa State University | Public | $13,120 |
| University of Costa Mesa | Public | $13,453 |
| Costa Mesa Community College | Community | $7,128 |
Costa Mesa has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Costa Mesa vs. National Average
| Category | Costa Mesa | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,640 | $1,050 | +$1,590 |
| Cost of Living Index | 160.8 | 100 | +60.80000000000001 |
Costa Mesa'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 Costa Mesa
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
7,086 students
Costa Mesa has a total population of 112,087, with approximately 7,086 college students (6.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Costa Mesa offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Costa Mesa
$49,294
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Costa Mesa earn a median starting salary of $49,294, which is $14,294 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,808 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,624 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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