College Costs in Oakland, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 13 colleges in Oakland, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,404
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$43,067
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,787
per month
Colleges & Universities
13
institutions
Oakland Overview
Population
433,031
Student Population
36,116 (8.3%)
Cost of Living Index
132 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
45/100
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
College Cost Calculator for Oakland
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,788
Total After Financial Aid
$115,788
Annual Cost
$28,947
Annual After Aid
$28,947
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,788 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,315 |
| Total Interest | $41,982 |
| Total Loan Cost | $157,770 |
Universities in Oakland
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mills College at Northeastern University | Private | $42,250 |
| Holy Names University | Private | $41,232 |
| Samuel Merritt University | Private | $45,720 |
| Merritt College | Community | $1,540 |
Oakland has 13 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Oakland vs. National Average
| Category | Oakland | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,404 | $10,940 | +$464 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,787 | $1,050 | +$737 |
| Cost of Living Index | 132 | 100 | +32 |
Oakland'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 Oakland
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
36,116 students
Oakland has a total population of 433,031, with approximately 36,116 college students (8.3% of the population). Oakland has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Oakland
$66,928
Starting Salary
6.9%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Oakland earn a median starting salary of $66,928, which is $31,928 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,788 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,438 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
Los Angeles
69 colleges · Avg tuition $13,804
San Diego
68 colleges · Avg tuition $10,911
San Jose
95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
San Francisco
22 colleges · Avg tuition $7,266
Fresno
37 colleges · Avg tuition $7,302
Sacramento
38 colleges · Avg tuition $7,488
Long Beach
14 colleges · Avg tuition $4,169
Bakersfield
18 colleges · Avg tuition $7,309
Anaheim
19 colleges · Avg tuition $6,920
Stockton
27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
Riverside
20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
Santa Ana
27 colleges · Avg tuition $1,540
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities