College Costs in Centennial, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Centennial, 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
$1,521
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Centennial Overview
Population
110,263
Student Population
7,184 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
106.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
58/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Centennial
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$105,568
Total After Financial Aid
$105,568
Annual Cost
$26,392
Annual After Aid
$26,392
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $105,568 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,199 |
| Total Interest | $38,276 |
| Total Loan Cost | $143,844 |
Universities in Centennial
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Centennial State University | Public | $12,479 |
| University of Centennial | Public | $13,310 |
| Centennial Community College | Community | $5,678 |
Centennial has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Centennial vs. National Average
| Category | Centennial | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,521 | $1,050 | +$471 |
| Cost of Living Index | 106.3 | 100 | +6.299999999999997 |
Centennial's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Centennial
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
7,184 students
Centennial has a total population of 110,263, with approximately 7,184 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Centennial offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Centennial
$43,541
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Centennial earn a median starting salary of $43,541, which is $8,541 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $105,568 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,616 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Colorado
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31 colleges · Avg tuition $11,380
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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
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Thornton
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Arvada
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Westminster
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Greeley
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Methodology & Education Data Sources for Centennial
How we compile Centennial 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 Centennial 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: Centennial'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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