College Costs in Murrieta, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Murrieta, 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
$1,590
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Murrieta Overview
Population
113,167
Student Population
6,087 (5.4%)
Cost of Living Index
122.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Murrieta
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,188
Total After Financial Aid
$115,188
Annual Cost
$28,797
Annual After Aid
$28,797
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,188 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,308 |
| Total Interest | $41,764 |
| Total Loan Cost | $156,952 |
Universities in Murrieta
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Murrieta State University | Public | $13,927 |
| University of Murrieta | Public | $14,865 |
| Murrieta Community College | Community | $6,262 |
Murrieta has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Murrieta vs. National Average
| Category | Murrieta | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,590 | $1,050 | +$540 |
| Cost of Living Index | 122.3 | 100 | +22.299999999999997 |
Murrieta'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 Murrieta
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,087 students
Murrieta has a total population of 113,167, with approximately 6,087 college students (5.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Murrieta offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Murrieta
$49,823
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Murrieta earn a median starting salary of $49,823, which is $14,823 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,188 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,288 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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