College Costs in Whittier, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Whittier, 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
$2,076
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Whittier Overview
Population
87,306
Student Population
5,511 (6.3%)
Cost of Living Index
151 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Whittier
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$122,224
Total After Financial Aid
$122,224
Annual Cost
$30,556
Annual After Aid
$30,556
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $122,224 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,388 |
| Total Interest | $44,315 |
| Total Loan Cost | $166,539 |
Universities in Whittier
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Whittier State University | Public | $15,175 |
| Whittier Community College | Community | $6,314 |
Whittier has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Whittier vs. National Average
| Category | Whittier | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,076 | $1,050 | +$1,026 |
| Cost of Living Index | 151 | 100 | +51 |
Whittier'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 Whittier
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,511 students
Whittier has a total population of 87,306, with approximately 5,511 college students (6.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Whittier offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Whittier
$44,880
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Whittier earn a median starting salary of $44,880, which is $9,880 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $122,224 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,262 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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