College Costs in Santa Clarita, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 9 colleges in Santa Clarita, 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
$2,100
per month
Colleges & Universities
9
institutions
Santa Clarita Overview
Population
228,673
Student Population
12,864 (5.6%)
Cost of Living Index
148.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
71/100
Transit Score
35/100
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
College Cost Calculator for Santa Clarita
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$123,524
Total After Financial Aid
$123,524
Annual Cost
$30,881
Annual After Aid
$30,881
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $123,524 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,403 |
| Total Interest | $44,787 |
| Total Loan Cost | $168,311 |
Universities in Santa Clarita
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Clarita State University | Public | $13,263 |
| University of Santa Clarita | Public | $16,216 |
| Santa Clarita Community College | Community | $6,330 |
| California Technical College - Santa Clarita | Community | $5,900 |
Santa Clarita has 9 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Santa Clarita vs. National Average
| Category | Santa Clarita | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,100 | $1,050 | +$1,050 |
| Cost of Living Index | 148.1 | 100 | +48.099999999999994 |
Santa Clarita'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 Clarita
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
12,864 students
Santa Clarita has a total population of 228,673, with approximately 12,864 college students (5.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Santa Clarita offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Santa Clarita
$60,058
Starting Salary
5.5%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Santa Clarita earn a median starting salary of $60,058, which is $25,058 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $123,524 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,814 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
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68 colleges · Avg tuition $10,911
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95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
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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
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27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
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20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
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