College Costs in Clifton, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Clifton, 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
$1,236
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Clifton Overview
Population
20,458
Student Population
2,373 (11.6%)
Cost of Living Index
97.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Clifton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,660
Total After Financial Aid
$101,660
Annual Cost
$25,415
Annual After Aid
$25,415
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,660 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,154 |
| Total Interest | $36,859 |
| Total Loan Cost | $138,519 |
Universities in Clifton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Clifton State University | Public | $12,674 |
| Clifton Community College | Community | $5,381 |
Clifton has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Clifton vs. National Average
| Category | Clifton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,236 | $1,050 | +$186 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97.7 | 100 | -2.299999999999997 |
Clifton's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Clifton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,373 students
Clifton has a total population of 20,458, with approximately 2,373 college students (11.6% of the population). Clifton has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Clifton
$45,387
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Clifton earn a median starting salary of $45,387, which is $10,387 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,660 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,733 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 Clifton
How we compile Clifton 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 Clifton 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: Clifton'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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