College Costs in Vacaville, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Vacaville, 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
$2,577
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Vacaville Overview
Population
105,130
Student Population
6,796 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
149.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
College Cost Calculator for Vacaville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$121,832
Total After Financial Aid
$121,832
Annual Cost
$30,458
Annual After Aid
$30,458
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $121,832 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,383 |
| Total Interest | $44,173 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,005 |
Universities in Vacaville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Vacaville State University | Public | $13,639 |
| University of Vacaville | Public | $16,543 |
| Vacaville Community College | Community | $6,073 |
Vacaville has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Vacaville vs. National Average
| Category | Vacaville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,577 | $1,050 | +$1,527 |
| Cost of Living Index | 149.5 | 100 | +49.5 |
Vacaville'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 Vacaville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,796 students
Vacaville has a total population of 105,130, with approximately 6,796 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Vacaville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Vacaville
$56,511
Starting Salary
5.4%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Vacaville earn a median starting salary of $56,511, which is $21,511 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $121,832 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,613 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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