College Costs in Imperial Beach, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Imperial 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
$2,373
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Imperial Beach Overview
Population
27,320
Student Population
3,097 (11.3%)
Cost of Living Index
149.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Imperial Beach
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$121,320
Total After Financial Aid
$121,320
Annual Cost
$30,330
Annual After Aid
$30,330
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $121,320 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,378 |
| Total Interest | $43,988 |
| Total Loan Cost | $165,308 |
Universities in Imperial Beach
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial Beach State University | Public | $13,718 |
| Imperial Beach Community College | Community | $6,968 |
Imperial Beach has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Imperial Beach vs. National Average
| Category | Imperial Beach | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,373 | $1,050 | +$1,323 |
| Cost of Living Index | 149.3 | 100 | +49.30000000000001 |
Imperial 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 Imperial Beach
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,097 students
Imperial Beach has a total population of 27,320, with approximately 3,097 college students (11.3% of the population). Imperial Beach has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Imperial Beach
$47,174
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Imperial Beach earn a median starting salary of $47,174, which is $12,174 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $121,320 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,998 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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