College Costs in Cottonwood, AZ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Cottonwood, Arizona. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$900
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Cottonwood Overview
Population
29,801
Student Population
1,589 (5.3%)
Cost of Living Index
101.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
53/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Cottonwood
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$105,112
Total After Financial Aid
$105,112
Annual Cost
$26,278
Annual After Aid
$26,278
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $105,112 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,194 |
| Total Interest | $38,111 |
| Total Loan Cost | $143,223 |
Universities in Cottonwood
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood State University | Public | $10,545 |
| Cottonwood Community College | Community | $5,341 |
Cottonwood has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cottonwood vs. National Average
| Category | Cottonwood | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,400 | $10,940 | +$460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $900 | $1,050 | -$150 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.6 | 100 | +1.5999999999999943 |
Cottonwood's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Cottonwood
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,589 students
Cottonwood has a total population of 29,801, with approximately 1,589 college students (5.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Cottonwood offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cottonwood
$34,822
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cottonwood earn a median starting salary of $34,822, which is -$178 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $105,112 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,141 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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