College Costs in Santa Monica, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Santa Monica, 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
$2,394
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Santa Monica Overview
Population
93,076
Student Population
5,911 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
146.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
59/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Santa Monica
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,940
Total After Financial Aid
$122,940
Annual Cost
$30,735
Annual After Aid
$30,735
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,940 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,396 |
| Total Interest | $44,575 |
| Total Loan Cost | $167,515 |
Universities in Santa Monica
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica State University | Public | $13,500 |
| Santa Monica Community College | Community | $6,314 |
Santa Monica has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Santa Monica vs. National Average
| Category | Santa Monica | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,394 | $1,050 | +$1,344 |
| Cost of Living Index | 146.2 | 100 | +46.19999999999999 |
Santa Monica'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 Monica
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,911 students
Santa Monica has a total population of 93,076, with approximately 5,911 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Santa Monica offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Santa Monica
$52,618
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Santa Monica earn a median starting salary of $52,618, which is $17,618 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,940 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,707 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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