College Costs in Santa Cruz, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Santa Cruz, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$33,166
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,239
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Santa Cruz Overview
Population
64,725
Student Population
2,264 (3.5%)
Cost of Living Index
124 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Santa Cruz
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$114,308
Total After Financial Aid
$114,308
Annual Cost
$28,577
Annual After Aid
$28,577
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $114,308 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,298 |
| Total Interest | $41,445 |
| Total Loan Cost | $155,753 |
Universities in Santa Cruz
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| UC Santa Cruz | Public | $14,000 |
| Cabrillo College | Community | $1,540 |
Santa Cruz has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Santa Cruz vs. National Average
| Category | Santa Cruz | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,000 | $10,940 | +$3,060 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,239 | $1,050 | +$189 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 100 | +24 |
Santa Cruz'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 Cruz
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,264 students
Santa Cruz has a total population of 64,725, with approximately 2,264 college students (3.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Santa Cruz offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Santa Cruz
$64,166
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Santa Cruz earn a median starting salary of $64,166, which is $29,166 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $114,308 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,849 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
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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