College Costs in Half Moon Bay, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Half Moon Bay, 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
$2,172
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Half Moon Bay Overview
Population
12,534
Student Population
944 (7.5%)
Cost of Living Index
140 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Half Moon Bay
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$125,540
Total After Financial Aid
$125,540
Annual Cost
$31,385
Annual After Aid
$31,385
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $125,540 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,425 |
| Total Interest | $45,518 |
| Total Loan Cost | $171,058 |
Universities in Half Moon Bay
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Half Moon Bay State University | Public | $13,867 |
| Half Moon Bay Community College | Community | $6,330 |
Half Moon Bay has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Half Moon Bay vs. National Average
| Category | Half Moon Bay | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,172 | $1,050 | +$1,122 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140 | 100 | +40 |
Half Moon Bay'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 Half Moon Bay
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
944 students
Half Moon Bay has a total population of 12,534, with approximately 944 college students (7.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Half Moon Bay offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Half Moon Bay
$42,542
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~17 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Half Moon Bay earn a median starting salary of $42,542, which is $7,542 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $125,540 (including room and board), it would take approximately 17 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,598 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