College Costs in Colchester, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Colchester, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$975
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Colchester Overview
Population
19,100
Student Population
1,742 (9.1%)
Cost of Living Index
113.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Colchester
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$120,524
Total After Financial Aid
$120,524
Annual Cost
$30,131
Annual After Aid
$30,131
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $120,524 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,369 |
| Total Interest | $43,699 |
| Total Loan Cost | $164,223 |
Universities in Colchester
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Colchester State University | Public | $15,673 |
| Colchester Community College | Community | $5,668 |
Colchester has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Colchester vs. National Average
| Category | Colchester | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,100 | $10,940 | +$4,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $975 | $1,050 | -$75 |
| Cost of Living Index | 113.1 | 100 | +13.099999999999994 |
Colchester'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 Colchester
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,742 students
Colchester has a total population of 19,100, with approximately 1,742 college students (9.1% of the population). Colchester has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Colchester
$54,243
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Colchester earn a median starting salary of $54,243, which is $19,243 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $120,524 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,621 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Connecticut
Bridgeport
11 colleges · Avg tuition $13,201
Stamford
7 colleges · Avg tuition $17,226
New Haven
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,538
Hartford
10 colleges · Avg tuition $15,491
Waterbury
8 colleges · Avg tuition $10,980
New London
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,500
Norwalk
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Danbury
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
New Britain
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
West Hartford
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Greenwich
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Fairfield
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Colchester
How we compile Colchester 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 Colchester 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: Colchester'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