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College Costs in San Juan Capistrano, CA 2026

Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in San Juan Capistrano, 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

$1,965

per month

Colleges & Universities

3

institutions

San Juan Capistrano Overview

Population

48,079

Student Population

2,660 (5.5%)

Cost of Living Index

141.9 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

38/100

Transit Score

22/100

Unemployment Rate

4.9%

College Cost Calculator for San Juan Capistrano

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$118,484

Total After Financial Aid

$118,484

Annual Cost

$29,621

Annual After Aid

$29,621

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$58,000
Room & Board$60,484

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$118,484
Monthly Payment$1,345
Total Interest$42,959
Total Loan Cost$161,443

Universities in San Juan Capistrano

UniversityTypeAnnual Tuition
San Juan Capistrano State UniversityPublic$13,639
San Juan Capistrano Community CollegeCommunity$6,264

San Juan Capistrano has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Cost of Living in San Juan Capistrano vs. National Average

CategorySan Juan CapistranoNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$14,500$10,940+$3,560
Monthly Rent Near Campus$1,965$1,050+$915
Cost of Living Index141.9100+41.900000000000006

San Juan Capistrano'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 Juan Capistrano

38

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

22

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

5.5%

Student Population

2,660 students

San Juan Capistrano has a total population of 48,079, with approximately 2,660 college students (5.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, San Juan Capistrano offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.

Post-Graduation Outlook in San Juan Capistrano

$38,775

Starting Salary

4.9%

Unemployment Rate

61%

Graduation Rate

~31 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in San Juan Capistrano earn a median starting salary of $38,775, which is $3,775 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $118,484 (including room and board), it would take approximately 31 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,518 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.

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