College Costs in Erie, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Erie, Colorado. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,302
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Erie Overview
Population
30,038
Student Population
2,734 (9.1%)
Cost of Living Index
98.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Erie
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$106,868
Total After Financial Aid
$106,868
Annual Cost
$26,717
Annual After Aid
$26,717
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $106,868 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,213 |
| Total Interest | $38,748 |
| Total Loan Cost | $145,616 |
Universities in Erie
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Erie State University | Public | $12,581 |
| Erie Community College | Community | $5,399 |
Erie has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Erie vs. National Average
| Category | Erie | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,302 | $1,050 | +$252 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.6 | 100 | -1.4000000000000057 |
Erie's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Erie
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,734 students
Erie has a total population of 30,038, with approximately 2,734 college students (9.1% of the population). Erie has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Erie
$37,525
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~42 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Erie earn a median starting salary of $37,525, which is $2,525 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $106,868 (including room and board), it would take approximately 42 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,219 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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