College Costs in San Bernardino, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 22 colleges in San Bernardino, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,316
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,781
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,317
per month
Colleges & Universities
22
institutions
San Bernardino Overview
Population
222,101
Student Population
21,939 (9.9%)
Cost of Living Index
104 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
54/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
College Cost Calculator for San Bernardino
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$81,872
Total After Financial Aid
$81,872
Annual Cost
$20,468
Annual After Aid
$20,468
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $81,872 |
| Monthly Payment | $930 |
| Total Interest | $29,685 |
| Total Loan Cost | $111,557 |
Universities in San Bernardino
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| California State University, San Bernardino | Public | $7,316 |
| San Bernardino Valley College | Community | $1,540 |
San Bernardino has 22 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in San Bernardino vs. National Average
| Category | San Bernardino | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,316 | $10,940 | -$3,624 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,317 | $1,050 | +$267 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 100 | +4 |
San Bernardino's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in San Bernardino
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
21,939 students
San Bernardino has a total population of 222,101, with approximately 21,939 college students (9.9% of the population). San Bernardino has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in San Bernardino
$55,377
Starting Salary
6.1%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in San Bernardino earn a median starting salary of $55,377, which is $20,377 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $81,872 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,226 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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