College Costs in Desert Hot Springs, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Desert Hot Springs, 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
$1,977
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Desert Hot Springs Overview
Population
32,512
Student Population
3,341 (10.3%)
Cost of Living Index
152.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Desert Hot Springs
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,800
Total After Financial Aid
$126,800
Annual Cost
$31,700
Annual After Aid
$31,700
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,800 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,440 |
| Total Interest | $45,975 |
| Total Loan Cost | $172,775 |
Universities in Desert Hot Springs
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Hot Springs State University | Public | $13,514 |
| Desert Hot Springs Community College | Community | $6,231 |
Desert Hot Springs has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Desert Hot Springs vs. National Average
| Category | Desert Hot Springs | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,977 | $1,050 | +$927 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152.9 | 100 | +52.900000000000006 |
Desert Hot Springs'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 Desert Hot Springs
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,341 students
Desert Hot Springs has a total population of 32,512, with approximately 3,341 college students (10.3% of the population). Desert Hot Springs has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Desert Hot Springs
$46,873
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Desert Hot Springs earn a median starting salary of $46,873, which is $11,873 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,800 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,019 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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