College Cost Planning in Colorado Springs, CO 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Colorado Springs, Colorado. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Colorado Springs as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$5,325
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$62,070
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,376
per month
Local Cost Market
22
benchmark points
Colorado Springs Overview
Population
478,961
Student Population
22,576 (4.7%)
Cost of Living Index
122 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
5%
College Cost Calculator for Colorado Springs
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$83,120
Total After Financial Aid
$83,120
Annual Cost
$20,780
Annual After Aid
$20,780
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $83,120 |
| Monthly Payment | $944 |
| Total Interest | $30,137 |
| Total Loan Cost | $113,257 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Colorado Springs
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
22
Public tuition
$5,325
Private tuition
$62,070
Community college
$4,056
Cost of Living in Colorado Springs vs. National Average
| Category | Colorado Springs | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $5,325 | $10,940 | -$5,615 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,376 | $1,050 | +$326 |
| Cost of Living Index | 122 | 100 | +22 |
Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
22,576 students
Colorado Springs has a total population of 478,961, with approximately 22,576 college students (4.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Colorado Springs offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Colorado Springs
$67,596
Starting Salary
5%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~2.6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Colorado Springs earn a median starting salary of $67,596, which is $32,596 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 2.6 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $13,479 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Colorado
Denver
31 colleges · Avg tuition $11,380
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
Highlands Ranch
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Colorado Springs
How we compile Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs 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: Colorado Springs'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
How much does college cost in Colorado Springs, CO?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Colorado Springs is $5,325. Private university tuition averages $62,070, and community college tuition averages $4,056. When room and board ($15,455/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $20,780.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Colorado Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs uses approximately 22 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 22,576, which represents 4.7% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Colorado Springs?
The average rent near college campuses in Colorado Springs is approximately $1,376 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 122 (national average is 100), a walk score of 52, and a public transit score of 23. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Colorado Springs?
College graduates in Colorado Springs earn a median starting salary of $67,596. The local unemployment rate is 5%. With an average financial aid package of $13,479 per student and a 71% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Colorado Springs, CO?
With a median starting salary of $67,596 and an average 4-year public university cost of $83,120 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 2.6 years. The 71% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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