College Costs in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Rancho Palos Verdes, 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
$2,295
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Rancho Palos Verdes Overview
Population
41,635
Student Population
3,194 (7.7%)
Cost of Living Index
149.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
College Cost Calculator for Rancho Palos Verdes
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$125,480
Total After Financial Aid
$125,480
Annual Cost
$31,370
Annual After Aid
$31,370
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $125,480 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,425 |
| Total Interest | $45,496 |
| Total Loan Cost | $170,976 |
Universities in Rancho Palos Verdes
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Rancho Palos Verdes State University | Public | $14,813 |
| Rancho Palos Verdes Community College | Community | $6,552 |
Rancho Palos Verdes has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Rancho Palos Verdes vs. National Average
| Category | Rancho Palos Verdes | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,295 | $1,050 | +$1,245 |
| Cost of Living Index | 149.3 | 100 | +49.30000000000001 |
Rancho Palos Verdes'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 Palos Verdes
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,194 students
Rancho Palos Verdes has a total population of 41,635, with approximately 3,194 college students (7.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Rancho Palos Verdes offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Rancho Palos Verdes
$46,396
Starting Salary
5.1%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Rancho Palos Verdes earn a median starting salary of $46,396, which is $11,396 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $125,480 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,832 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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