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.
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 Brighton
How we compile Brighton 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 Brighton 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: Brighton'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
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities