College Costs in Santa Ana, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 27 colleges in Santa Ana, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$1,540
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,205
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,088
per month
Colleges & Universities
27
institutions
Santa Ana Overview
Population
310,227
Student Population
9,823 (3.2%)
Cost of Living Index
121 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
62/100
Transit Score
37/100
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
College Cost Calculator for Santa Ana
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$76,492
Total After Financial Aid
$76,492
Annual Cost
$19,123
Annual After Aid
$19,123
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $76,492 |
| Monthly Payment | $869 |
| Total Interest | $27,734 |
| Total Loan Cost | $104,226 |
Universities in Santa Ana
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana College | Public | $1,540 |
| Santa Ana College | Community | $1,540 |
Santa Ana has 27 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Santa Ana vs. National Average
| Category | Santa Ana | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $1,540 | $10,940 | -$9,400 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,088 | $1,050 | +$38 |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 100 | +21 |
Santa Ana'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 Santa Ana
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
9,823 students
Santa Ana has a total population of 310,227, with approximately 9,823 college students (3.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Santa Ana offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Santa Ana
$55,128
Starting Salary
6.1%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Santa Ana earn a median starting salary of $55,128, which is $20,128 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $76,492 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,688 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
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