College Costs in Garden Grove, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 7 colleges in Garden Grove, 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
$2,160
per month
Colleges & Universities
7
institutions
Garden Grove Overview
Population
172,646
Student Population
8,975 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
150.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
58/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
College Cost Calculator for Garden Grove
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,612
Total After Financial Aid
$126,612
Annual Cost
$31,653
Annual After Aid
$31,653
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,612 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,438 |
| Total Interest | $45,906 |
| Total Loan Cost | $172,518 |
Universities in Garden Grove
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Garden Grove State University | Public | $13,746 |
| University of Garden Grove | Public | $14,677 |
| Garden Grove Community College | Community | $6,550 |
Garden Grove has 7 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Garden Grove vs. National Average
| Category | Garden Grove | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,160 | $1,050 | +$1,110 |
| Cost of Living Index | 150.3 | 100 | +50.30000000000001 |
Garden Grove'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 Garden Grove
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
8,975 students
Garden Grove has a total population of 172,646, with approximately 8,975 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Garden Grove offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Garden Grove
$35,365
Starting Salary
5.3%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~347 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Garden Grove earn a median starting salary of $35,365, which is $365 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,612 (including room and board), it would take approximately 347 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,754 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