College Costs in Orange, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Orange, 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
$2,580
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Orange Overview
Population
139,911
Student Population
7,194 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
149.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
60/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
5%
College Cost Calculator for Orange
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$123,824
Total After Financial Aid
$123,824
Annual Cost
$30,956
Annual After Aid
$30,956
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $123,824 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,406 |
| Total Interest | $44,896 |
| Total Loan Cost | $168,720 |
Universities in Orange
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Orange State University | Public | $14,604 |
| University of Orange | Public | $14,782 |
| Orange Community College | Community | $6,669 |
Orange has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Orange vs. National Average
| Category | Orange | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,580 | $1,050 | +$1,530 |
| Cost of Living Index | 149.6 | 100 | +49.599999999999994 |
Orange'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 Orange
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
7,194 students
Orange has a total population of 139,911, with approximately 7,194 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Orange offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Orange
$49,983
Starting Salary
5%
Unemployment Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Orange earn a median starting salary of $49,983, which is $14,983 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $123,824 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,152 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
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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
Oakland
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
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
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