College Costs in North Highlands, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in North Highlands, 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
$2,835
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
North Highlands Overview
Population
21,003
Student Population
2,983 (14.2%)
Cost of Living Index
149.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
5%
College Cost Calculator for North Highlands
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,916
Total After Financial Aid
$126,916
Annual Cost
$31,729
Annual After Aid
$31,729
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,916 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,441 |
| Total Interest | $46,017 |
| Total Loan Cost | $172,933 |
Universities in North Highlands
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| North Highlands State University | Public | $15,440 |
| North Highlands Community College | Community | $6,464 |
North Highlands has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in North Highlands vs. National Average
| Category | North Highlands | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,835 | $1,050 | +$1,785 |
| Cost of Living Index | 149.1 | 100 | +49.099999999999994 |
North Highlands'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 North Highlands
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,983 students
North Highlands has a total population of 21,003, with approximately 2,983 college students (14.2% of the population). North Highlands has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in North Highlands
$53,638
Starting Salary
5%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in North Highlands earn a median starting salary of $53,638, which is $18,638 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,916 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,909 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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