College Costs in Lakewood, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Lakewood, 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
$2,322
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Lakewood Overview
Population
80,048
Student Population
4,998 (6.2%)
Cost of Living Index
152.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Lakewood
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$123,004
Total After Financial Aid
$123,004
Annual Cost
$30,751
Annual After Aid
$30,751
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $123,004 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,397 |
| Total Interest | $44,598 |
| Total Loan Cost | $167,602 |
Universities in Lakewood
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lakewood State University | Public | $15,941 |
| Lakewood Community College | Community | $6,972 |
Lakewood has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lakewood vs. National Average
| Category | Lakewood | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,322 | $1,050 | +$1,272 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152.1 | 100 | +52.099999999999994 |
Lakewood'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 Lakewood
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,998 students
Lakewood has a total population of 80,048, with approximately 4,998 college students (6.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lakewood offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lakewood
$51,438
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lakewood earn a median starting salary of $51,438, which is $16,438 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $123,004 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,619 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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