College Costs in Huntington Beach, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 8 colleges in Huntington Beach, 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
$2,880
per month
Colleges & Universities
8
institutions
Huntington Beach Overview
Population
198,711
Student Population
11,657 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
168.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
62/100
Transit Score
33/100
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
College Cost Calculator for Huntington Beach
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,196
Total After Financial Aid
$126,196
Annual Cost
$31,549
Annual After Aid
$31,549
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,196 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,433 |
| Total Interest | $45,756 |
| Total Loan Cost | $171,952 |
Universities in Huntington Beach
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington Beach State University | Public | $13,570 |
| University of Huntington Beach | Public | $16,348 |
| Huntington Beach Community College | Community | $7,272 |
Huntington Beach has 8 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Huntington Beach vs. National Average
| Category | Huntington Beach | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,880 | $1,050 | +$1,830 |
| Cost of Living Index | 168.5 | 100 | +68.5 |
Huntington Beach'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 Huntington Beach
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
11,657 students
Huntington Beach has a total population of 198,711, with approximately 11,657 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Huntington Beach offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Huntington Beach
$54,994
Starting Salary
5.4%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Huntington Beach earn a median starting salary of $54,994, which is $19,994 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,196 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,141 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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