College Costs in Highland, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Highland, 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
$2,217
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Highland Overview
Population
56,533
Student Population
3,636 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
148.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Highland
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$123,172
Total After Financial Aid
$123,172
Annual Cost
$30,793
Annual After Aid
$30,793
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $123,172 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,399 |
| Total Interest | $44,659 |
| Total Loan Cost | $167,831 |
Universities in Highland
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Highland State University | Public | $15,240 |
| Highland Community College | Community | $6,452 |
Highland has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Highland vs. National Average
| Category | Highland | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,217 | $1,050 | +$1,167 |
| Cost of Living Index | 148.9 | 100 | +48.900000000000006 |
Highland'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 Highland
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,636 students
Highland has a total population of 56,533, with approximately 3,636 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Highland offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Highland
$54,234
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Highland earn a median starting salary of $54,234, which is $19,234 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $123,172 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,749 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