College Costs in Los Altos, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Los Altos, 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
$2,214
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Los Altos Overview
Population
30,787
Student Population
2,061 (6.7%)
Cost of Living Index
135.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
College Cost Calculator for Los Altos
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,564
Total After Financial Aid
$117,564
Annual Cost
$29,391
Annual After Aid
$29,391
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,564 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,335 |
| Total Interest | $42,626 |
| Total Loan Cost | $160,190 |
Universities in Los Altos
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Los Altos State University | Public | $13,621 |
| Los Altos Community College | Community | $6,449 |
Los Altos has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Los Altos vs. National Average
| Category | Los Altos | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,214 | $1,050 | +$1,164 |
| Cost of Living Index | 135.9 | 100 | +35.900000000000006 |
Los Altos'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 Los Altos
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,061 students
Los Altos has a total population of 30,787, with approximately 2,061 college students (6.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Los Altos offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Los Altos
$42,909
Starting Salary
5.1%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~15 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Los Altos earn a median starting salary of $42,909, which is $7,909 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,564 (including room and board), it would take approximately 15 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,837 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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