College Costs in Shafter, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Shafter, 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
$1,848
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Shafter Overview
Population
21,401
Student Population
1,716 (8.0%)
Cost of Living Index
149.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
College Cost Calculator for Shafter
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,860
Total After Financial Aid
$126,860
Annual Cost
$31,715
Annual After Aid
$31,715
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,860 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,440 |
| Total Interest | $45,996 |
| Total Loan Cost | $172,856 |
Universities in Shafter
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Shafter State University | Public | $14,094 |
| Shafter Community College | Community | $6,390 |
Shafter has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Shafter vs. National Average
| Category | Shafter | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,848 | $1,050 | +$798 |
| Cost of Living Index | 149.8 | 100 | +49.80000000000001 |
Shafter'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 Shafter
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,716 students
Shafter has a total population of 21,401, with approximately 1,716 college students (8.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Shafter offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Shafter
$42,511
Starting Salary
5.4%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~17 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Shafter earn a median starting salary of $42,511, which is $7,511 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,860 (including room and board), it would take approximately 17 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,051 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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