College Costs in Fresno, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 37 colleges in Fresno, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,302
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,820
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,623
per month
Colleges & Universities
37
institutions
Fresno Overview
Population
542,107
Student Population
23,836 (4.4%)
Cost of Living Index
118 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
78/100
Transit Score
46/100
Unemployment Rate
6.5%
College Cost Calculator for Fresno
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,340
Total After Financial Aid
$94,340
Annual Cost
$23,585
Annual After Aid
$23,585
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,340 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,071 |
| Total Interest | $34,205 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,545 |
Universities in Fresno
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| California State University, Fresno | Public | $7,302 |
| Fresno Pacific University | Private | $36,320 |
| National University Fresno | Private | $13,320 |
| Fresno City College | Community | $1,540 |
Fresno has 37 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fresno vs. National Average
| Category | Fresno | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,302 | $10,940 | -$3,638 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,623 | $1,050 | +$573 |
| Cost of Living Index | 118 | 100 | +18 |
Fresno'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 Fresno
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
23,836 students
Fresno has a total population of 542,107, with approximately 23,836 college students (4.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Fresno offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fresno
$66,213
Starting Salary
6.5%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fresno earn a median starting salary of $66,213, which is $31,213 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,340 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,988 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
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
Santa Ana
27 colleges · Avg tuition $1,540
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