College Costs in Thornton, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Thornton, 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
$2,490
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Thornton Overview
Population
23,027
Student Population
1,334 (5.8%)
Cost of Living Index
158 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Thornton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$129,152
Total After Financial Aid
$129,152
Annual Cost
$32,288
Annual After Aid
$32,288
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $129,152 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,466 |
| Total Interest | $46,827 |
| Total Loan Cost | $175,979 |
Universities in Thornton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Thornton State University | Public | $13,231 |
| Thornton Community College | Community | $6,525 |
Thornton has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Thornton vs. National Average
| Category | Thornton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,490 | $1,050 | +$1,440 |
| Cost of Living Index | 158 | 100 | +58 |
Thornton'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 Thornton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,334 students
Thornton has a total population of 23,027, with approximately 1,334 college students (5.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Thornton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Thornton
$55,941
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Thornton earn a median starting salary of $55,941, which is $20,941 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $129,152 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,971 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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