College Costs in San Bruno, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in San Bruno, 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
$2,280
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
San Bruno Overview
Population
44,663
Student Population
3,732 (8.4%)
Cost of Living Index
139.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
5%
College Cost Calculator for San Bruno
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,156
Total After Financial Aid
$122,156
Annual Cost
$30,539
Annual After Aid
$30,539
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,156 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,387 |
| Total Interest | $44,291 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,447 |
Universities in San Bruno
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| San Bruno State University | Public | $13,783 |
| San Bruno Community College | Community | $6,538 |
San Bruno has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in San Bruno vs. National Average
| Category | San Bruno | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,280 | $1,050 | +$1,230 |
| Cost of Living Index | 139.4 | 100 | +39.400000000000006 |
San Bruno'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 San Bruno
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,732 students
San Bruno has a total population of 44,663, with approximately 3,732 college students (8.4% of the population). San Bruno has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in San Bruno
$44,898
Starting Salary
5%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in San Bruno earn a median starting salary of $44,898, which is $9,898 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,156 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,157 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
Riverside
20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities