College Costs in Imperial, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Imperial, 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
$1,917
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Imperial Overview
Population
20,580
Student Population
2,875 (14.0%)
Cost of Living Index
138 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
College Cost Calculator for Imperial
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$118,624
Total After Financial Aid
$118,624
Annual Cost
$29,656
Annual After Aid
$29,656
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $118,624 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,347 |
| Total Interest | $43,010 |
| Total Loan Cost | $161,634 |
Universities in Imperial
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial State University | Public | $14,405 |
| Imperial Community College | Community | $5,779 |
Imperial 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 vs. National Average
| Category | Imperial | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,917 | $1,050 | +$867 |
| Cost of Living Index | 138 | 100 | +38 |
Imperial'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
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,875 students
Imperial has a total population of 20,580, with approximately 2,875 college students (14.0% of the population). Imperial has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Imperial
$45,169
Starting Salary
5.4%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Imperial earn a median starting salary of $45,169, which is $10,169 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $118,624 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,802 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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