College Costs in Glendale, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 8 colleges in Glendale, 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
$2,670
per month
Colleges & Universities
8
institutions
Glendale Overview
Population
196,543
Student Population
10,518 (5.4%)
Cost of Living Index
162.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
59/100
Transit Score
34/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Glendale
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$124,708
Total After Financial Aid
$124,708
Annual Cost
$31,177
Annual After Aid
$31,177
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $124,708 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,416 |
| Total Interest | $45,216 |
| Total Loan Cost | $169,924 |
Universities in Glendale
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Glendale State University | Public | $14,651 |
| University of Glendale | Public | $14,900 |
| Glendale Community College | Community | $6,504 |
Glendale has 8 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Glendale vs. National Average
| Category | Glendale | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,670 | $1,050 | +$1,620 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162.4 | 100 | +62.400000000000006 |
Glendale'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 Glendale
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
10,518 students
Glendale has a total population of 196,543, with approximately 10,518 college students (5.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Glendale offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Glendale
$35,826
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~151 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Glendale earn a median starting salary of $35,826, which is $826 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $124,708 (including room and board), it would take approximately 151 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,738 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