College Costs in Los Altos Hills, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Los Altos Hills, 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
$2,310
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Los Altos Hills Overview
Population
49,568
Student Population
3,419 (6.9%)
Cost of Living Index
146.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Los Altos Hills
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,888
Total After Financial Aid
$122,888
Annual Cost
$30,722
Annual After Aid
$30,722
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,888 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,395 |
| Total Interest | $44,556 |
| Total Loan Cost | $167,444 |
Universities in Los Altos Hills
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Los Altos Hills State University | Public | $15,458 |
| Los Altos Hills Community College | Community | $6,810 |
Los Altos Hills has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Los Altos Hills vs. National Average
| Category | Los Altos Hills | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,310 | $1,050 | +$1,260 |
| Cost of Living Index | 146.9 | 100 | +46.900000000000006 |
Los Altos Hills'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 Hills
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,419 students
Los Altos Hills has a total population of 49,568, with approximately 3,419 college students (6.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Los Altos Hills offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Los Altos Hills
$59,778
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Los Altos Hills earn a median starting salary of $59,778, which is $24,778 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,888 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,606 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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