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College Costs in Patterson, CA 2026

Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Patterson, 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

$1,923

per month

Colleges & Universities

2

institutions

Patterson Overview

Population

24,370

Student Population

2,038 (8.4%)

Cost of Living Index

138.3 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

47/100

Transit Score

23/100

Unemployment Rate

5.4%

College Cost Calculator for Patterson

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$119,720

Total After Financial Aid

$119,720

Annual Cost

$29,930

Annual After Aid

$29,930

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$58,000
Room & Board$61,720

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$119,720
Monthly Payment$1,359
Total Interest$43,408
Total Loan Cost$163,128

Universities in Patterson

UniversityTypeAnnual Tuition
Patterson State UniversityPublic$14,117
Patterson Community CollegeCommunity$6,078

Patterson has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Cost of Living in Patterson vs. National Average

CategoryPattersonNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$14,500$10,940+$3,560
Monthly Rent Near Campus$1,923$1,050+$873
Cost of Living Index138.3100+38.30000000000001

Patterson'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 Patterson

47

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

23

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

8.4%

Student Population

2,038 students

Patterson has a total population of 24,370, with approximately 2,038 college students (8.4% of the population). Patterson has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Patterson

$37,057

Starting Salary

5.4%

Unemployment Rate

70%

Graduation Rate

~58 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Patterson earn a median starting salary of $37,057, which is $2,057 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $119,720 (including room and board), it would take approximately 58 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,027 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.

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