College Costs in Fort Collins, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Fort Collins, Colorado. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,138
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$33,574
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$995
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Fort Collins Overview
Population
169,810
Student Population
10,260 (6.0%)
Cost of Living Index
126 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
56/100
Transit Score
38/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Fort Collins
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,856
Total After Financial Aid
$127,856
Annual Cost
$31,964
Annual After Aid
$31,964
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,856 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,452 |
| Total Interest | $46,357 |
| Total Loan Cost | $174,213 |
Universities in Fort Collins
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University | Public | $12,138 |
| Front Range Community College | Community | $4,419 |
Fort Collins has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fort Collins vs. National Average
| Category | Fort Collins | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,138 | $10,940 | +$1,198 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $995 | $1,050 | -$55 |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 100 | +26 |
Fort Collins'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 Fort Collins
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
10,260 students
Fort Collins has a total population of 169,810, with approximately 10,260 college students (6.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Fort Collins offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fort Collins
$63,847
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fort Collins earn a median starting salary of $63,847, which is $28,847 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,856 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,695 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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