College Costs in Westminster, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Westminster, 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
$2,265
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Westminster Overview
Population
91,137
Student Population
5,869 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
154.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Westminster
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$121,448
Total After Financial Aid
$121,448
Annual Cost
$30,362
Annual After Aid
$30,362
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $121,448 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,379 |
| Total Interest | $44,034 |
| Total Loan Cost | $165,482 |
Universities in Westminster
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Westminster State University | Public | $15,945 |
| Westminster Community College | Community | $6,793 |
Westminster has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Westminster vs. National Average
| Category | Westminster | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,265 | $1,050 | +$1,215 |
| Cost of Living Index | 154.3 | 100 | +54.30000000000001 |
Westminster'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 Westminster
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,869 students
Westminster has a total population of 91,137, with approximately 5,869 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Westminster offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Westminster
$45,381
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Westminster earn a median starting salary of $45,381, which is $10,381 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $121,448 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,054 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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