College Costs in Denver, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 31 colleges in Denver, Colorado. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,380
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$49,039
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,340
per month
Colleges & Universities
31
institutions
Denver Overview
Population
715,522
Student Population
74,098 (10.4%)
Cost of Living Index
128 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
72/100
Transit Score
53/100
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
College Cost Calculator for Denver
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$105,360
Total After Financial Aid
$105,360
Annual Cost
$26,340
Annual After Aid
$26,340
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $105,360 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,196 |
| Total Interest | $38,201 |
| Total Loan Cost | $143,561 |
Universities in Denver
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Denver | Public | $11,380 |
| University of Denver | Private | $56,268 |
| Regis University | Private | $41,810 |
| Community College of Denver | Community | $4,419 |
Denver has 31 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Denver vs. National Average
| Category | Denver | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,380 | $10,940 | +$440 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,340 | $1,050 | +$290 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 100 | +28 |
Denver'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 Denver
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
74,098 students
Denver has a total population of 715,522, with approximately 74,098 college students (10.4% of the population). Denver has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Denver
$69,178
Starting Salary
5.8%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Denver earn a median starting salary of $69,178, which is $34,178 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $105,360 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,823 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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