College Costs in Hawthorne, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Hawthorne, 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
$2,049
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Hawthorne Overview
Population
88,083
Student Population
6,110 (6.9%)
Cost of Living Index
150.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
53/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Hawthorne
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,128
Total After Financial Aid
$122,128
Annual Cost
$30,532
Annual After Aid
$30,532
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,128 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,387 |
| Total Interest | $44,281 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,409 |
Universities in Hawthorne
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hawthorne State University | Public | $13,263 |
| Hawthorne Community College | Community | $6,567 |
Hawthorne has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Hawthorne vs. National Average
| Category | Hawthorne | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,049 | $1,050 | +$999 |
| Cost of Living Index | 150.6 | 100 | +50.599999999999994 |
Hawthorne'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 Hawthorne
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,110 students
Hawthorne has a total population of 88,083, with approximately 6,110 college students (6.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Hawthorne offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hawthorne
$47,166
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hawthorne earn a median starting salary of $47,166, which is $12,166 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,128 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,622 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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