College Cost Planning in Denver, CO 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Denver, Colorado. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Denver 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$11,380
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$49,039
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,340
per month
Local Cost Market
31
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Denver
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
31
Public tuition
$11,380
Private tuition
$49,039
Community college
$4,419
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
~3.1 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 3.1 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $8,823 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Colorado
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
Highlands Ranch
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Denver
How we compile Denver 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 Denver 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: Denver'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 Denver, CO?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Denver is $11,380. Private university tuition averages $49,039, and community college tuition averages $4,419. When room and board ($14,960/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $26,340.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Denver, CO?
Denver uses approximately 31 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 74,098, which represents 10.4% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Denver?
The average rent near college campuses in Denver is approximately $1,340 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 128 (national average is 100), a walk score of 72, and a public transit score of 53. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Denver?
College graduates in Denver earn a median starting salary of $69,178. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%. With an average financial aid package of $8,823 per student and a 65% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Denver, CO?
With a median starting salary of $69,178 and an average 4-year public university cost of $105,360 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 3.1 years. The 65% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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