College Costs in Redding, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Redding, 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
$1,020
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Redding Overview
Population
92,590
Student Population
4,988 (5.4%)
Cost of Living Index
105.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Redding
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,392
Total After Financial Aid
$117,392
Annual Cost
$29,348
Annual After Aid
$29,348
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,392 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,333 |
| Total Interest | $42,563 |
| Total Loan Cost | $159,955 |
Universities in Redding
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Redding State University | Public | $15,699 |
| Redding Community College | Community | $5,959 |
Redding has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Redding vs. National Average
| Category | Redding | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,020 | $1,050 | -$30 |
| Cost of Living Index | 105.8 | 100 | +5.799999999999997 |
Redding'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 Redding
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,988 students
Redding has a total population of 92,590, with approximately 4,988 college students (5.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Redding offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Redding
$31,630
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Redding earn a median starting salary of $31,630, which is -$3,370 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,392 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,474 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities