College Costs in Los Angeles, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 69 colleges in Los Angeles, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,804
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$59,151
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$2,390
per month
Colleges & Universities
69
institutions
Los Angeles Overview
Population
3,979,576
Student Population
322,771 (8.1%)
Cost of Living Index
141 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
67/100
Transit Score
71/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Los Angeles
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,208
Total After Financial Aid
$127,208
Annual Cost
$31,802
Annual After Aid
$31,802
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,208 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,444 |
| Total Interest | $46,123 |
| Total Loan Cost | $173,331 |
Universities in Los Angeles
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| UCLA | Public | $13,804 |
| USC | Private | $63,468 |
| Loyola Marymount University | Private | $54,834 |
| Los Angeles City College | Community | $1,540 |
| Santa Monica College | Community | $1,540 |
Los Angeles has 69 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Los Angeles vs. National Average
| Category | Los Angeles | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $13,804 | $10,940 | +$2,864 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,390 | $1,050 | +$1,340 |
| Cost of Living Index | 141 | 100 | +41 |
Los Angeles'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 Angeles
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Excellent Transit
Student Population
322,771 students
Los Angeles has a total population of 3,979,576, with approximately 322,771 college students (8.1% of the population). Los Angeles has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Los Angeles
$60,572
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Los Angeles earn a median starting salary of $60,572, which is $25,572 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,208 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,255 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
San Diego
68 colleges · Avg tuition $10,911
San Jose
95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
San Francisco
22 colleges · Avg tuition $7,266
Fresno
37 colleges · Avg tuition $7,302
Sacramento
38 colleges · Avg tuition $7,488
Long Beach
14 colleges · Avg tuition $4,169
Oakland
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
Bakersfield
18 colleges · Avg tuition $7,309
Anaheim
19 colleges · Avg tuition $6,920
Stockton
27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
Riverside
20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
Santa Ana
27 colleges · Avg tuition $1,540
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