College Costs in Hollister, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Hollister, 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
$1,878
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Hollister Overview
Population
42,147
Student Population
2,645 (6.3%)
Cost of Living Index
149.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Hollister
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,440
Total After Financial Aid
$126,440
Annual Cost
$31,610
Annual After Aid
$31,610
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,440 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,436 |
| Total Interest | $45,844 |
| Total Loan Cost | $172,284 |
Universities in Hollister
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hollister State University | Public | $15,857 |
| Hollister Community College | Community | $6,332 |
Hollister has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Hollister vs. National Average
| Category | Hollister | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,878 | $1,050 | +$828 |
| Cost of Living Index | 149.5 | 100 | +49.5 |
Hollister'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 Hollister
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,645 students
Hollister has a total population of 42,147, with approximately 2,645 college students (6.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Hollister offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hollister
$48,756
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hollister earn a median starting salary of $48,756, which is $13,756 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,440 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,794 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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