College Costs in National City, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in National City, 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
$2,196
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
National City Overview
Population
61,394
Student Population
5,054 (8.2%)
Cost of Living Index
154.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
55/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
College Cost Calculator for National City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$123,396
Total After Financial Aid
$123,396
Annual Cost
$30,849
Annual After Aid
$30,849
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $123,396 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,401 |
| Total Interest | $44,740 |
| Total Loan Cost | $168,136 |
Universities in National City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| National City State University | Public | $14,085 |
| National City Community College | Community | $6,437 |
National City has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in National City vs. National Average
| Category | National City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,196 | $1,050 | +$1,146 |
| Cost of Living Index | 154.5 | 100 | +54.5 |
National City'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 National City
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,054 students
National City has a total population of 61,394, with approximately 5,054 college students (8.2% of the population). National City has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in National City
$57,411
Starting Salary
5.4%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in National City earn a median starting salary of $57,411, which is $22,411 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $123,396 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,981 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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