College Costs in Caldwell, ID 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Caldwell, Idaho. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,300
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$960
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Caldwell Overview
Population
59,338
Student Population
3,217 (5.4%)
Cost of Living Index
92.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Caldwell
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$85,768
Total After Financial Aid
$85,768
Annual Cost
$21,442
Annual After Aid
$21,442
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $85,768 |
| Monthly Payment | $974 |
| Total Interest | $31,097 |
| Total Loan Cost | $116,865 |
Universities in Caldwell
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Caldwell State University | Public | $8,004 |
| Caldwell Community College | Community | $5,005 |
Caldwell has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Caldwell vs. National Average
| Category | Caldwell | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,300 | $10,940 | -$2,640 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $960 | $1,050 | -$90 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.8 | 100 | -7.200000000000003 |
Caldwell's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Caldwell
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,217 students
Caldwell has a total population of 59,338, with approximately 3,217 college students (5.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Caldwell offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Caldwell
$23,675
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Caldwell earn a median starting salary of $23,675, which is -$11,325 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $85,768 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,594 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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