College Costs in Stockton, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 27 colleges in Stockton, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,231
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$52,584
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,060
per month
Colleges & Universities
27
institutions
Stockton Overview
Population
320,804
Student Population
20,206 (6.3%)
Cost of Living Index
116 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
60/100
Transit Score
30/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Stockton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$124,756
Total After Financial Aid
$124,756
Annual Cost
$31,189
Annual After Aid
$31,189
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $124,756 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,417 |
| Total Interest | $45,233 |
| Total Loan Cost | $169,989 |
Universities in Stockton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of the Pacific | Private | $52,584 |
| San Joaquin Delta College | Community | $1,540 |
Stockton has 27 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Stockton vs. National Average
| Category | Stockton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,231 | $10,940 | +$291 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,060 | $1,050 | +$10 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116 | 100 | +16 |
Stockton'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 Stockton
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
20,206 students
Stockton has a total population of 320,804, with approximately 20,206 college students (6.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Stockton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Stockton
$55,888
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Stockton earn a median starting salary of $55,888, which is $20,888 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $124,756 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,901 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
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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
Riverside
20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
Santa Ana
27 colleges · Avg tuition $1,540
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