College Costs in Rancho Cordova, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Rancho Cordova, 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
$2,064
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Rancho Cordova Overview
Population
79,890
Student Population
4,705 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
149.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Rancho Cordova
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,956
Total After Financial Aid
$122,956
Annual Cost
$30,739
Annual After Aid
$30,739
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,956 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,396 |
| Total Interest | $44,581 |
| Total Loan Cost | $167,537 |
Universities in Rancho Cordova
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Rancho Cordova State University | Public | $14,108 |
| Rancho Cordova Community College | Community | $6,383 |
Rancho Cordova has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Rancho Cordova vs. National Average
| Category | Rancho Cordova | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,064 | $1,050 | +$1,014 |
| Cost of Living Index | 149.8 | 100 | +49.80000000000001 |
Rancho Cordova'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 Rancho Cordova
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,705 students
Rancho Cordova has a total population of 79,890, with approximately 4,705 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Rancho Cordova offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Rancho Cordova
$45,456
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Rancho Cordova earn a median starting salary of $45,456, which is $10,456 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,956 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,638 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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