College Costs in Carefree, AZ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Carefree, Arizona. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$915
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Carefree Overview
Population
20,496
Student Population
2,122 (10.4%)
Cost of Living Index
100.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Carefree
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,760
Total After Financial Aid
$103,760
Annual Cost
$25,940
Annual After Aid
$25,940
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,760 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,178 |
| Total Interest | $37,621 |
| Total Loan Cost | $141,381 |
Universities in Carefree
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Carefree State University | Public | $11,395 |
| Carefree Community College | Community | $5,155 |
Carefree has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Carefree vs. National Average
| Category | Carefree | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,400 | $10,940 | +$460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $915 | $1,050 | -$135 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100.4 | 100 | +0.4000000000000057 |
Carefree's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Carefree
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,122 students
Carefree has a total population of 20,496, with approximately 2,122 college students (10.4% of the population). Carefree has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Carefree
$45,181
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Carefree earn a median starting salary of $45,181, which is $10,181 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,760 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,517 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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