College Costs in Thousand Oaks, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Thousand Oaks, 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
$2,295
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Thousand Oaks Overview
Population
126,398
Student Population
6,699 (5.3%)
Cost of Living Index
156.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
33/100
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
College Cost Calculator for Thousand Oaks
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$128,124
Total After Financial Aid
$128,124
Annual Cost
$32,031
Annual After Aid
$32,031
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $128,124 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,455 |
| Total Interest | $46,455 |
| Total Loan Cost | $174,579 |
Universities in Thousand Oaks
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Thousand Oaks State University | Public | $15,138 |
| University of Thousand Oaks | Public | $14,998 |
| Thousand Oaks Community College | Community | $6,848 |
Thousand Oaks has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Thousand Oaks vs. National Average
| Category | Thousand Oaks | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,295 | $1,050 | +$1,245 |
| Cost of Living Index | 156.7 | 100 | +56.69999999999999 |
Thousand Oaks'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 Thousand Oaks
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,699 students
Thousand Oaks has a total population of 126,398, with approximately 6,699 college students (5.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Thousand Oaks offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Thousand Oaks
$56,627
Starting Salary
5.4%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Thousand Oaks earn a median starting salary of $56,627, which is $21,627 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $128,124 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,909 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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