College Costs in Richmond, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Richmond, 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
$2,697
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Richmond Overview
Population
116,448
Student Population
6,978 (6.0%)
Cost of Living Index
161.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
33/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Richmond
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$128,036
Total After Financial Aid
$128,036
Annual Cost
$32,009
Annual After Aid
$32,009
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $128,036 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,454 |
| Total Interest | $46,423 |
| Total Loan Cost | $174,459 |
Universities in Richmond
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond State University | Public | $13,936 |
| University of Richmond | Public | $14,469 |
| Richmond Community College | Community | $6,561 |
Richmond has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Richmond vs. National Average
| Category | Richmond | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,697 | $1,050 | +$1,647 |
| Cost of Living Index | 161.9 | 100 | +61.900000000000006 |
Richmond'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 Richmond
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,978 students
Richmond has a total population of 116,448, with approximately 6,978 college students (6.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Richmond offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Richmond
$48,731
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Richmond earn a median starting salary of $48,731, which is $13,731 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $128,036 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,885 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
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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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