College Costs in Ridgecrest, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Ridgecrest, 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
$2,019
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Ridgecrest Overview
Population
28,780
Student Population
2,551 (8.9%)
Cost of Living Index
144.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Ridgecrest
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$121,448
Total After Financial Aid
$121,448
Annual Cost
$30,362
Annual After Aid
$30,362
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $121,448 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,379 |
| Total Interest | $44,034 |
| Total Loan Cost | $165,482 |
Universities in Ridgecrest
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ridgecrest State University | Public | $15,421 |
| Ridgecrest Community College | Community | $6,290 |
Ridgecrest has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ridgecrest vs. National Average
| Category | Ridgecrest | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,019 | $1,050 | +$969 |
| Cost of Living Index | 144.5 | 100 | +44.5 |
Ridgecrest'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 Ridgecrest
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,551 students
Ridgecrest has a total population of 28,780, with approximately 2,551 college students (8.9% of the population). Ridgecrest has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ridgecrest
$49,415
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ridgecrest earn a median starting salary of $49,415, which is $14,415 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $121,448 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,118 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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