College Costs in Sacramento, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 38 colleges in Sacramento, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,488
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,382
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,473
per month
Colleges & Universities
38
institutions
Sacramento Overview
Population
524,943
Student Population
18,535 (3.5%)
Cost of Living Index
112 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
68/100
Transit Score
46/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Sacramento
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$109,800
Total After Financial Aid
$109,800
Annual Cost
$27,450
Annual After Aid
$27,450
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $109,800 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,247 |
| Total Interest | $39,811 |
| Total Loan Cost | $149,611 |
Universities in Sacramento
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento State University | Public | $7,488 |
| University of the Pacific | Private | $52,584 |
| William Jessup University | Private | $36,180 |
| Sacramento City College | Community | $1,540 |
Sacramento has 38 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Sacramento vs. National Average
| Category | Sacramento | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,488 | $10,940 | -$3,452 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,473 | $1,050 | +$423 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 100 | +12 |
Sacramento'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 Sacramento
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
18,535 students
Sacramento has a total population of 524,943, with approximately 18,535 college students (3.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Sacramento offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Sacramento
$54,977
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Sacramento earn a median starting salary of $54,977, which is $19,977 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $109,800 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $16,517 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
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
Santa Ana
27 colleges · Avg tuition $1,540
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