College Costs in Arvada, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Arvada, 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
$1,455
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Arvada Overview
Population
124,402
Student Population
6,316 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
105.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Arvada
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$104,576
Total After Financial Aid
$104,576
Annual Cost
$26,144
Annual After Aid
$26,144
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $104,576 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,187 |
| Total Interest | $37,917 |
| Total Loan Cost | $142,493 |
Universities in Arvada
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arvada State University | Public | $11,667 |
| University of Arvada | Public | $11,617 |
| Arvada Community College | Community | $5,532 |
Arvada has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Arvada vs. National Average
| Category | Arvada | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,455 | $1,050 | +$405 |
| Cost of Living Index | 105.5 | 100 | +5.5 |
Arvada'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 Arvada
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,316 students
Arvada has a total population of 124,402, with approximately 6,316 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Arvada offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Arvada
$49,845
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Arvada earn a median starting salary of $49,845, which is $14,845 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $104,576 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,461 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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