College Costs in Seaside, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Seaside, 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
$2,067
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Seaside Overview
Population
33,946
Student Population
2,728 (8.0%)
Cost of Living Index
145.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Seaside
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$120,088
Total After Financial Aid
$120,088
Annual Cost
$30,022
Annual After Aid
$30,022
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $120,088 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,364 |
| Total Interest | $43,541 |
| Total Loan Cost | $163,629 |
Universities in Seaside
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Seaside State University | Public | $14,178 |
| Seaside Community College | Community | $6,077 |
Seaside has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Seaside vs. National Average
| Category | Seaside | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,067 | $1,050 | +$1,017 |
| Cost of Living Index | 145.7 | 100 | +45.69999999999999 |
Seaside'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 Seaside
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,728 students
Seaside has a total population of 33,946, with approximately 2,728 college students (8.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Seaside offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Seaside
$46,227
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Seaside earn a median starting salary of $46,227, which is $11,227 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $120,088 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,667 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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