College Costs in El Monte, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in El Monte, 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
$2,628
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
El Monte Overview
Population
113,615
Student Population
5,700 (5.0%)
Cost of Living Index
145.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for El Monte
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,308
Total After Financial Aid
$126,308
Annual Cost
$31,577
Annual After Aid
$31,577
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,308 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,434 |
| Total Interest | $45,796 |
| Total Loan Cost | $172,104 |
Universities in El Monte
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| El Monte State University | Public | $14,131 |
| University of El Monte | Public | $15,742 |
| El Monte Community College | Community | $6,796 |
El Monte has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in El Monte vs. National Average
| Category | El Monte | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,628 | $1,050 | +$1,578 |
| Cost of Living Index | 145.7 | 100 | +45.69999999999999 |
El Monte'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 Monte
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,700 students
El Monte has a total population of 113,615, with approximately 5,700 college students (5.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, El Monte offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in El Monte
$50,567
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in El Monte earn a median starting salary of $50,567, which is $15,567 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,308 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,328 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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