College Costs in Castle Rock, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Castle Rock, 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
$1,530
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Castle Rock Overview
Population
73,158
Student Population
4,314 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
98.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
57/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Castle Rock
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,368
Total After Financial Aid
$107,368
Annual Cost
$26,842
Annual After Aid
$26,842
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,368 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,219 |
| Total Interest | $38,929 |
| Total Loan Cost | $146,297 |
Universities in Castle Rock
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Castle Rock State University | Public | $11,819 |
| Castle Rock Community College | Community | $5,018 |
Castle Rock has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Castle Rock vs. National Average
| Category | Castle Rock | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,530 | $1,050 | +$480 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.6 | 100 | -1.4000000000000057 |
Castle Rock's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Castle Rock
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,314 students
Castle Rock has a total population of 73,158, with approximately 4,314 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Castle Rock offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Castle Rock
$41,722
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~16 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Castle Rock earn a median starting salary of $41,722, which is $6,722 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,368 (including room and board), it would take approximately 16 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,936 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 Castle Rock
How we compile Castle Rock 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 Castle Rock 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: Castle Rock'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