College Costs in Carbondale, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Carbondale, 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
$1,395
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Carbondale Overview
Population
6,833
Student Population
1,750 (25.6%)
Cost of Living Index
95.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Carbondale
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,864
Total After Financial Aid
$107,864
Annual Cost
$26,966
Annual After Aid
$26,966
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,864 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,225 |
| Total Interest | $39,109 |
| Total Loan Cost | $146,973 |
Universities in Carbondale
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Carbondale State University | Public | $13,026 |
| Carbondale Community College | Community | $5,003 |
Carbondale has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Carbondale vs. National Average
| Category | Carbondale | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,395 | $1,050 | +$345 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.9 | 100 | -4.099999999999994 |
Carbondale's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Carbondale
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,750 students
Carbondale has a total population of 6,833, with approximately 1,750 college students (25.6% of the population). As a major college town, Carbondale offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Carbondale
$47,111
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Carbondale earn a median starting salary of $47,111, which is $12,111 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,864 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,222 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 Carbondale
How we compile Carbondale 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 Carbondale 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: Carbondale'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
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