College Costs in Pasadena, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 8 colleges in Pasadena, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,971
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$60,864
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,421
per month
Colleges & Universities
8
institutions
Pasadena Overview
Population
138,699
Student Population
5,054 (3.6%)
Cost of Living Index
115 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
54/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
College Cost Calculator for Pasadena
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$112,540
Total After Financial Aid
$112,540
Annual Cost
$28,135
Annual After Aid
$28,135
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $112,540 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,278 |
| Total Interest | $40,804 |
| Total Loan Cost | $153,344 |
Universities in Pasadena
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology | Private | $60,864 |
| Pasadena City College | Community | $1,540 |
Pasadena has 8 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Pasadena vs. National Average
| Category | Pasadena | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $13,971 | $10,940 | +$3,031 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,421 | $1,050 | +$371 |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 100 | +15 |
Pasadena'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 Pasadena
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,054 students
Pasadena has a total population of 138,699, with approximately 5,054 college students (3.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Pasadena offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Pasadena
$61,034
Starting Salary
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Pasadena earn a median starting salary of $61,034, which is $26,034 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $112,540 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,705 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
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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