College Costs in Hercules, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Hercules, 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
$2,064
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Hercules Overview
Population
26,090
Student Population
2,533 (9.7%)
Cost of Living Index
143.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
5%
College Cost Calculator for Hercules
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$119,108
Total After Financial Aid
$119,108
Annual Cost
$29,777
Annual After Aid
$29,777
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $119,108 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,352 |
| Total Interest | $43,186 |
| Total Loan Cost | $162,294 |
Universities in Hercules
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hercules State University | Public | $13,788 |
| Hercules Community College | Community | $6,500 |
Hercules has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Hercules vs. National Average
| Category | Hercules | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,064 | $1,050 | +$1,014 |
| Cost of Living Index | 143.1 | 100 | +43.099999999999994 |
Hercules'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 Hercules
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,533 students
Hercules has a total population of 26,090, with approximately 2,533 college students (9.7% of the population). Hercules has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hercules
$42,743
Starting Salary
5%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~15 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hercules earn a median starting salary of $42,743, which is $7,743 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $119,108 (including room and board), it would take approximately 15 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,461 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