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.
Other Cities in Idaho
Boise
27 colleges · Avg tuition $8,060
Pocatello
6 colleges · Avg tuition $7,864
Twin Falls
5 colleges · Avg tuition $3,456
Moscow
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,304
Meridian
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,300
Nampa
4 colleges · Avg tuition $8,300
Idaho Falls
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,300
Coeur d'Alene
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,300
Post Falls
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,300
Rexburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,300
Lewiston
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,300
Eagle
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,300
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Caldwell
How we compile Caldwell 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 Caldwell 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: Caldwell'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