College Costs in Gilroy, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Gilroy, 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
$2,538
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Gilroy Overview
Population
59,520
Student Population
4,083 (6.9%)
Cost of Living Index
141.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Gilroy
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$124,536
Total After Financial Aid
$124,536
Annual Cost
$31,134
Annual After Aid
$31,134
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $124,536 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,414 |
| Total Interest | $45,154 |
| Total Loan Cost | $169,690 |
Universities in Gilroy
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Gilroy State University | Public | $14,544 |
| Gilroy Community College | Community | $6,390 |
Gilroy has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Gilroy vs. National Average
| Category | Gilroy | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,538 | $1,050 | +$1,488 |
| Cost of Living Index | 141.9 | 100 | +41.900000000000006 |
Gilroy'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 Gilroy
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,083 students
Gilroy has a total population of 59,520, with approximately 4,083 college students (6.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Gilroy offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Gilroy
$48,220
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Gilroy earn a median starting salary of $48,220, which is $13,220 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $124,536 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,302 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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