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College Costs in Scotts Valley, CA 2026

Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Scotts Valley, 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

$1,989

per month

Colleges & Universities

1

institutions

Scotts Valley Overview

Population

12,240

Student Population

1,498 (12.2%)

Cost of Living Index

134.8 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

32/100

Transit Score

13/100

Unemployment Rate

4.7%

College Cost Calculator for Scotts Valley

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$117,152

Total After Financial Aid

$117,152

Annual Cost

$29,288

Annual After Aid

$29,288

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$58,000
Room & Board$59,152

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$117,152
Monthly Payment$1,330
Total Interest$42,476
Total Loan Cost$159,628

Universities in Scotts Valley

UniversityTypeAnnual Tuition
Scotts Valley State UniversityPublic$13,273
Scotts Valley Community CollegeCommunity$5,893

Scotts Valley has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Cost of Living in Scotts Valley vs. National Average

CategoryScotts ValleyNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$14,500$10,940+$3,560
Monthly Rent Near Campus$1,989$1,050+$939
Cost of Living Index134.8100+34.80000000000001

Scotts Valley'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 Scotts Valley

32

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

13

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

12.2%

Student Population

1,498 students

Scotts Valley has a total population of 12,240, with approximately 1,498 college students (12.2% of the population). Scotts Valley has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.

Post-Graduation Outlook in Scotts Valley

$51,486

Starting Salary

4.7%

Unemployment Rate

48%

Graduation Rate

~7 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in Scotts Valley earn a median starting salary of $51,486, which is $16,486 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,152 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,480 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.

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