DegreeCalc

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)

Tuition$48,800
Room & Board$58,568

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

UniversityTypeAnnual Tuition
Castle Rock State UniversityPublic$11,819
Castle Rock Community CollegeCommunity$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

CategoryCastle RockNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$12,200$10,940+$1,260
Monthly Rent Near Campus$1,530$1,050+$480
Cost of Living Index98.6100-1.4000000000000057

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

57

Walk Score

Somewhat Walkable

17

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

5.9%

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

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.

  1. Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Castle Rock institutions, updated annually.
  2. Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
  3. Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
  4. Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
  5. Local context: Castle Rock's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.

Authoritative US education data sources:

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