College Costs in La Quinta, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in La Quinta, 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
$1,905
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
La Quinta Overview
Population
41,748
Student Population
3,348 (8.0%)
Cost of Living Index
152.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for La Quinta
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,068
Total After Financial Aid
$122,068
Annual Cost
$30,517
Annual After Aid
$30,517
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,068 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,386 |
| Total Interest | $44,259 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,327 |
Universities in La Quinta
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| La Quinta State University | Public | $13,120 |
| La Quinta Community College | Community | $6,411 |
La Quinta has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in La Quinta vs. National Average
| Category | La Quinta | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,905 | $1,050 | +$855 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152.4 | 100 | +52.400000000000006 |
La Quinta'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 La Quinta
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,348 students
La Quinta has a total population of 41,748, with approximately 3,348 college students (8.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, La Quinta offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in La Quinta
$52,215
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in La Quinta earn a median starting salary of $52,215, which is $17,215 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,068 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,768 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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