College Costs in Foster City, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Foster City, 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
$2,343
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Foster City Overview
Population
33,901
Student Population
3,426 (10.1%)
Cost of Living Index
153.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Foster City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,516
Total After Financial Aid
$122,516
Annual Cost
$30,629
Annual After Aid
$30,629
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,516 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,391 |
| Total Interest | $44,421 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,937 |
Universities in Foster City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Foster City State University | Public | $15,222 |
| Foster City Community College | Community | $6,924 |
Foster City has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Foster City vs. National Average
| Category | Foster City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,343 | $1,050 | +$1,293 |
| Cost of Living Index | 153.1 | 100 | +53.099999999999994 |
Foster City'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 Foster City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,426 students
Foster City has a total population of 33,901, with approximately 3,426 college students (10.1% of the population). Foster City has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Foster City
$53,671
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Foster City earn a median starting salary of $53,671, which is $18,671 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,516 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,371 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