College Costs in Ventura, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Ventura, 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
$2,160
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Ventura Overview
Population
109,106
Student Population
6,825 (6.3%)
Cost of Living Index
148.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Ventura
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$124,076
Total After Financial Aid
$124,076
Annual Cost
$31,019
Annual After Aid
$31,019
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $124,076 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,409 |
| Total Interest | $44,987 |
| Total Loan Cost | $169,063 |
Universities in Ventura
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ventura State University | Public | $15,630 |
| University of Ventura | Public | $12,471 |
| Ventura Community College | Community | $6,942 |
Ventura has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ventura vs. National Average
| Category | Ventura | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,160 | $1,050 | +$1,110 |
| Cost of Living Index | 148.5 | 100 | +48.5 |
Ventura'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 Ventura
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,825 students
Ventura has a total population of 109,106, with approximately 6,825 college students (6.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Ventura offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ventura
$46,915
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ventura earn a median starting salary of $46,915, which is $11,915 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $124,076 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,830 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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