College Costs in Fullerton, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Fullerton, 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
$2,490
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Fullerton Overview
Population
139,254
Student Population
8,524 (6.1%)
Cost of Living Index
152.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Fullerton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$128,284
Total After Financial Aid
$128,284
Annual Cost
$32,071
Annual After Aid
$32,071
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $128,284 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,457 |
| Total Interest | $46,513 |
| Total Loan Cost | $174,797 |
Universities in Fullerton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fullerton State University | Public | $15,008 |
| University of Fullerton | Public | $14,121 |
| Fullerton Community College | Community | $6,744 |
Fullerton has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fullerton vs. National Average
| Category | Fullerton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,490 | $1,050 | +$1,440 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152.5 | 100 | +52.5 |
Fullerton'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 Fullerton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
8,524 students
Fullerton has a total population of 139,254, with approximately 8,524 college students (6.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Fullerton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fullerton
$56,060
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fullerton earn a median starting salary of $56,060, which is $21,060 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $128,284 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,536 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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