College Costs in Brighton, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Brighton, 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
$1,605
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Brighton Overview
Population
42,033
Student Population
2,716 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
105.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Brighton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$106,636
Total After Financial Aid
$106,636
Annual Cost
$26,659
Annual After Aid
$26,659
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $106,636 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,211 |
| Total Interest | $38,664 |
| Total Loan Cost | $145,300 |
Universities in Brighton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Brighton State University | Public | $12,932 |
| Brighton Community College | Community | $5,861 |
Brighton has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Brighton vs. National Average
| Category | Brighton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,605 | $1,050 | +$555 |
| Cost of Living Index | 105.7 | 100 | +5.700000000000003 |
Brighton'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 Brighton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,716 students
Brighton has a total population of 42,033, with approximately 2,716 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Brighton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Brighton
$41,886
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~15 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Brighton earn a median starting salary of $41,886, which is $6,886 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $106,636 (including room and board), it would take approximately 15 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,448 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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