College Costs in San Carlos, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in San Carlos, 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
$2,058
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
San Carlos Overview
Population
30,215
Student Population
1,661 (5.5%)
Cost of Living Index
148.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for San Carlos
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$124,964
Total After Financial Aid
$124,964
Annual Cost
$31,241
Annual After Aid
$31,241
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $124,964 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,419 |
| Total Interest | $45,309 |
| Total Loan Cost | $170,273 |
Universities in San Carlos
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| San Carlos State University | Public | $14,136 |
| San Carlos Community College | Community | $6,016 |
San Carlos 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 Carlos vs. National Average
| Category | San Carlos | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,058 | $1,050 | +$1,008 |
| Cost of Living Index | 148.9 | 100 | +48.900000000000006 |
San Carlos'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 Carlos
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,661 students
San Carlos has a total population of 30,215, with approximately 1,661 college students (5.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, San Carlos offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in San Carlos
$44,066
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~14 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in San Carlos earn a median starting salary of $44,066, which is $9,066 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $124,964 (including room and board), it would take approximately 14 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,024 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