College Costs in Torrance, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Torrance, 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
$2,760
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Torrance Overview
Population
147,067
Student Population
7,398 (5.0%)
Cost of Living Index
162.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
56/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
College Cost Calculator for Torrance
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$126,068
Total After Financial Aid
$126,068
Annual Cost
$31,517
Annual After Aid
$31,517
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $126,068 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,431 |
| Total Interest | $45,709 |
| Total Loan Cost | $171,777 |
Universities in Torrance
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Torrance State University | Public | $14,860 |
| University of Torrance | Public | $15,109 |
| Torrance Community College | Community | $6,853 |
Torrance has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Torrance vs. National Average
| Category | Torrance | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,760 | $1,050 | +$1,710 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162.3 | 100 | +62.30000000000001 |
Torrance'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 Torrance
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
7,398 students
Torrance has a total population of 147,067, with approximately 7,398 college students (5.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Torrance offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Torrance
$51,398
Starting Salary
5.3%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Torrance earn a median starting salary of $51,398, which is $16,398 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $126,068 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,091 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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