College Costs in Modesto, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 9 colleges in Modesto, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$1,540
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$57,167
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,224
per month
Colleges & Universities
9
institutions
Modesto Overview
Population
218,464
Student Population
11,205 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
130 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Modesto
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$79,340
Total After Financial Aid
$79,340
Annual Cost
$19,835
Annual After Aid
$19,835
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $79,340 |
| Monthly Payment | $901 |
| Total Interest | $28,767 |
| Total Loan Cost | $108,107 |
Universities in Modesto
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto Junior College | Public | $1,540 |
| Modesto Junior College | Community | $1,540 |
Modesto has 9 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Modesto vs. National Average
| Category | Modesto | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $1,540 | $10,940 | -$9,400 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,224 | $1,050 | +$174 |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 100 | +30 |
Modesto'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 Modesto
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
11,205 students
Modesto has a total population of 218,464, with approximately 11,205 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Modesto offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Modesto
$62,076
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Modesto earn a median starting salary of $62,076, which is $27,076 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $79,340 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,378 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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