College Costs in Paradise, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Paradise, 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
$1,938
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Paradise Overview
Population
26,218
Student Population
1,372 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
139.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Paradise
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$118,724
Total After Financial Aid
$118,724
Annual Cost
$29,681
Annual After Aid
$29,681
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $118,724 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,348 |
| Total Interest | $43,046 |
| Total Loan Cost | $161,770 |
Universities in Paradise
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Paradise State University | Public | $13,946 |
| Paradise Community College | Community | $6,750 |
Paradise has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Paradise vs. National Average
| Category | Paradise | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,938 | $1,050 | +$888 |
| Cost of Living Index | 139.4 | 100 | +39.400000000000006 |
Paradise'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 Paradise
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,372 students
Paradise has a total population of 26,218, with approximately 1,372 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Paradise offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Paradise
$44,010
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Paradise earn a median starting salary of $44,010, which is $9,010 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $118,724 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,346 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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