College Costs in El Cerrito, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in El Cerrito, 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
$1,971
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
El Cerrito Overview
Population
25,523
Student Population
3,150 (12.3%)
Cost of Living Index
134.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for El Cerrito
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,380
Total After Financial Aid
$117,380
Annual Cost
$29,345
Annual After Aid
$29,345
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,380 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,333 |
| Total Interest | $42,559 |
| Total Loan Cost | $159,939 |
Universities in El Cerrito
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| El Cerrito State University | Public | $13,440 |
| El Cerrito Community College | Community | $6,653 |
El Cerrito has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in El Cerrito vs. National Average
| Category | El Cerrito | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,971 | $1,050 | +$921 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134.4 | 100 | +34.400000000000006 |
El Cerrito'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 El Cerrito
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,150 students
El Cerrito has a total population of 25,523, with approximately 3,150 college students (12.3% of the population). El Cerrito has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in El Cerrito
$48,210
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in El Cerrito earn a median starting salary of $48,210, which is $13,210 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,380 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,315 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities