College Costs in Tustin, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Tustin, 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
$2,439
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Tustin Overview
Population
80,276
Student Population
4,542 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
151.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
30/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Tustin
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$124,348
Total After Financial Aid
$124,348
Annual Cost
$31,087
Annual After Aid
$31,087
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $124,348 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,412 |
| Total Interest | $45,086 |
| Total Loan Cost | $169,434 |
Universities in Tustin
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Tustin State University | Public | $13,718 |
| Tustin Community College | Community | $6,616 |
Tustin has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Tustin vs. National Average
| Category | Tustin | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,439 | $1,050 | +$1,389 |
| Cost of Living Index | 151.9 | 100 | +51.900000000000006 |
Tustin'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 Tustin
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,542 students
Tustin has a total population of 80,276, with approximately 4,542 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Tustin offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Tustin
$42,193
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~17 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Tustin earn a median starting salary of $42,193, which is $7,193 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $124,348 (including room and board), it would take approximately 17 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,053 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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