College Costs in East Los Angeles, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in East Los Angeles, 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
$2,277
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
East Los Angeles Overview
Population
120,307
Student Population
7,091 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
155 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
5%
College Cost Calculator for East Los Angeles
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,184
Total After Financial Aid
$127,184
Annual Cost
$31,796
Annual After Aid
$31,796
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,184 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,444 |
| Total Interest | $46,114 |
| Total Loan Cost | $173,298 |
Universities in East Los Angeles
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| East Los Angeles State University | Public | $14,952 |
| University of East Los Angeles | Public | $16,348 |
| East Los Angeles Community College | Community | $6,191 |
East Los Angeles has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in East Los Angeles vs. National Average
| Category | East Los Angeles | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,277 | $1,050 | +$1,227 |
| Cost of Living Index | 155 | 100 | +55 |
East Los Angeles'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 East Los Angeles
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
7,091 students
East Los Angeles has a total population of 120,307, with approximately 7,091 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, East Los Angeles offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in East Los Angeles
$48,406
Starting Salary
5%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in East Los Angeles earn a median starting salary of $48,406, which is $13,406 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,184 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,064 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
Los Angeles
69 colleges · Avg tuition $13,804
San Diego
68 colleges · Avg tuition $10,911
San Jose
95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
San Francisco
22 colleges · Avg tuition $7,266
Fresno
37 colleges · Avg tuition $7,302
Sacramento
38 colleges · Avg tuition $7,488
Long Beach
14 colleges · Avg tuition $4,169
Oakland
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
Bakersfield
18 colleges · Avg tuition $7,309
Anaheim
19 colleges · Avg tuition $6,920
Stockton
27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
Riverside
20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
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