College Costs in Santa Rosa, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 12 colleges in Santa Rosa, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,724
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$56,404
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,113
per month
Colleges & Universities
12
institutions
Santa Rosa Overview
Population
178,127
Student Population
10,416 (5.8%)
Cost of Living Index
127 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
61/100
Transit Score
38/100
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
College Cost Calculator for Santa Rosa
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$81,008
Total After Financial Aid
$81,008
Annual Cost
$20,252
Annual After Aid
$20,252
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $81,008 |
| Monthly Payment | $920 |
| Total Interest | $29,372 |
| Total Loan Cost | $110,380 |
Universities in Santa Rosa
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Sonoma State University | Public | $7,724 |
| Santa Rosa Junior College | Community | $1,540 |
Santa Rosa has 12 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Santa Rosa vs. National Average
| Category | Santa Rosa | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,724 | $10,940 | -$3,216 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,113 | $1,050 | +$63 |
| Cost of Living Index | 127 | 100 | +27 |
Santa Rosa'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 Rosa
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
10,416 students
Santa Rosa has a total population of 178,127, with approximately 10,416 college students (5.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Santa Rosa offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Santa Rosa
$57,081
Starting Salary
6.6%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Santa Rosa earn a median starting salary of $57,081, which is $22,081 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $81,008 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,165 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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