College Costs in Fountain Valley, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Fountain Valley, 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
$1,545
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Fountain Valley Overview
Population
20,069
Student Population
2,392 (11.9%)
Cost of Living Index
130 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Fountain Valley
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,816
Total After Financial Aid
$117,816
Annual Cost
$29,454
Annual After Aid
$29,454
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,816 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,338 |
| Total Interest | $42,717 |
| Total Loan Cost | $160,533 |
Universities in Fountain Valley
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fountain Valley State University | Public | $15,157 |
| Fountain Valley Community College | Community | $6,086 |
Fountain Valley has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fountain Valley vs. National Average
| Category | Fountain Valley | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,545 | $1,050 | +$495 |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 100 | +30 |
Fountain Valley'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 Fountain Valley
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,392 students
Fountain Valley has a total population of 20,069, with approximately 2,392 college students (11.9% of the population). Fountain Valley has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fountain Valley
$57,643
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fountain Valley earn a median starting salary of $57,643, which is $22,643 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,816 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,538 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