College Costs in Alma, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Alma, Colorado. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,545
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Alma Overview
Population
43,080
Student Population
3,613 (8.4%)
Cost of Living Index
104 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
53/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Alma
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$106,568
Total After Financial Aid
$106,568
Annual Cost
$26,642
Annual After Aid
$26,642
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $106,568 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,210 |
| Total Interest | $38,639 |
| Total Loan Cost | $145,207 |
Universities in Alma
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Alma State University | Public | $12,733 |
| Alma Community College | Community | $5,955 |
Alma has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Alma vs. National Average
| Category | Alma | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,545 | $1,050 | +$495 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 100 | +4 |
Alma's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Alma
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,613 students
Alma has a total population of 43,080, with approximately 3,613 college students (8.4% of the population). Alma has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Alma
$40,229
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
~20 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Alma earn a median starting salary of $40,229, which is $5,229 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $106,568 (including room and board), it would take approximately 20 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,550 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Colorado
Denver
31 colleges · Avg tuition $11,380
Colorado Springs
22 colleges · Avg tuition $5,325
Aurora
28 colleges · Avg tuition $11,380
Fort Collins
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,138
Pueblo
13 colleges · Avg tuition $10,380
Boulder
8 colleges · Avg tuition $12,500
Lakewood
6 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Thornton
6 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Arvada
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Westminster
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Centennial
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Greeley
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Alma
How we compile Alma college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Alma institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Alma's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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