College Costs in Palm Springs, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Palm Springs, 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
$2,160
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Palm Springs Overview
Population
48,518
Student Population
4,362 (9.0%)
Cost of Living Index
136.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Palm Springs
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$118,440
Total After Financial Aid
$118,440
Annual Cost
$29,610
Annual After Aid
$29,610
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $118,440 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,345 |
| Total Interest | $42,943 |
| Total Loan Cost | $161,383 |
Universities in Palm Springs
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Springs State University | Public | $14,219 |
| Palm Springs Community College | Community | $6,627 |
Palm Springs has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Palm Springs vs. National Average
| Category | Palm Springs | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,160 | $1,050 | +$1,110 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.7 | 100 | +36.69999999999999 |
Palm Springs'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 Palm Springs
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,362 students
Palm Springs has a total population of 48,518, with approximately 4,362 college students (9.0% of the population). Palm Springs has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Palm Springs
$53,380
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Palm Springs earn a median starting salary of $53,380, which is $18,380 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $118,440 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,242 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
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22 colleges · Avg tuition $7,266
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13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
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