College Costs in South San Francisco, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in South San Francisco, 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
$2,553
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
South San Francisco Overview
Population
67,789
Student Population
4,071 (6.0%)
Cost of Living Index
156.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
55/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
College Cost Calculator for South San Francisco
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$124,736
Total After Financial Aid
$124,736
Annual Cost
$31,184
Annual After Aid
$31,184
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $124,736 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,416 |
| Total Interest | $45,226 |
| Total Loan Cost | $169,962 |
Universities in South San Francisco
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| South San Francisco State University | Public | $14,001 |
| South San Francisco Community College | Community | $6,482 |
South San Francisco has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in South San Francisco vs. National Average
| Category | South San Francisco | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,553 | $1,050 | +$1,503 |
| Cost of Living Index | 156.4 | 100 | +56.400000000000006 |
South San Francisco'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 South San Francisco
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,071 students
South San Francisco has a total population of 67,789, with approximately 4,071 college students (6.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, South San Francisco offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in South San Francisco
$45,159
Starting Salary
5.3%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in South San Francisco earn a median starting salary of $45,159, which is $10,159 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $124,736 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,234 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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