College Costs in Monterey, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Monterey, 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
$2,160
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Monterey Overview
Population
30,058
Student Population
2,962 (9.9%)
Cost of Living Index
152.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Monterey
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$125,872
Total After Financial Aid
$125,872
Annual Cost
$31,468
Annual After Aid
$31,468
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $125,872 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,429 |
| Total Interest | $45,638 |
| Total Loan Cost | $171,510 |
Universities in Monterey
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Monterey State University | Public | $14,809 |
| Monterey Community College | Community | $6,272 |
Monterey has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Monterey vs. National Average
| Category | Monterey | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,160 | $1,050 | +$1,110 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152.1 | 100 | +52.099999999999994 |
Monterey'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 Monterey
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,962 students
Monterey has a total population of 30,058, with approximately 2,962 college students (9.9% of the population). Monterey has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Monterey
$47,402
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Monterey earn a median starting salary of $47,402, which is $12,402 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $125,872 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,112 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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