College Costs in Riverside, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 20 colleges in Riverside, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,169
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$57,035
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,489
per month
Colleges & Universities
20
institutions
Riverside Overview
Population
314,998
Student Population
19,763 (6.3%)
Cost of Living Index
119 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
58/100
Transit Score
42/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Riverside
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$125,144
Total After Financial Aid
$125,144
Annual Cost
$31,286
Annual After Aid
$31,286
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $125,144 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,421 |
| Total Interest | $45,374 |
| Total Loan Cost | $170,518 |
Universities in Riverside
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of California, Riverside | Public | $14,169 |
| Riverside City College | Community | $1,540 |
Riverside has 20 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Riverside vs. National Average
| Category | Riverside | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,169 | $10,940 | +$3,229 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,489 | $1,050 | +$439 |
| Cost of Living Index | 119 | 100 | +19 |
Riverside'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 Riverside
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
19,763 students
Riverside has a total population of 314,998, with approximately 19,763 college students (6.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Riverside offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Riverside
$60,557
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Riverside earn a median starting salary of $60,557, which is $25,557 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $125,144 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,701 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
Santa Ana
27 colleges · Avg tuition $1,540
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