College Costs in Tulare, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Tulare, 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
$2,262
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Tulare Overview
Population
67,834
Student Population
3,798 (5.6%)
Cost of Living Index
148.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
College Cost Calculator for Tulare
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$124,984
Total After Financial Aid
$124,984
Annual Cost
$31,246
Annual After Aid
$31,246
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $124,984 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,419 |
| Total Interest | $45,316 |
| Total Loan Cost | $170,300 |
Universities in Tulare
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Tulare State University | Public | $15,133 |
| Tulare Community College | Community | $5,983 |
Tulare has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Tulare vs. National Average
| Category | Tulare | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,262 | $1,050 | +$1,212 |
| Cost of Living Index | 148.1 | 100 | +48.099999999999994 |
Tulare'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 Tulare
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,798 students
Tulare has a total population of 67,834, with approximately 3,798 college students (5.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Tulare offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Tulare
$47,405
Starting Salary
5.1%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Tulare earn a median starting salary of $47,405, which is $12,405 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $124,984 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,650 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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