College Costs in Golden, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Golden, 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
$1,317
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Golden Overview
Population
20,399
Student Population
2,492 (12.2%)
Cost of Living Index
103.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Golden
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$102,608
Total After Financial Aid
$102,608
Annual Cost
$25,652
Annual After Aid
$25,652
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $102,608 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,165 |
| Total Interest | $37,203 |
| Total Loan Cost | $139,811 |
Universities in Golden
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Golden State University | Public | $13,217 |
| Golden Community College | Community | $5,818 |
Golden has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Golden vs. National Average
| Category | Golden | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,317 | $1,050 | +$267 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103.8 | 100 | +3.799999999999997 |
Golden's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Golden
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,492 students
Golden has a total population of 20,399, with approximately 2,492 college students (12.2% of the population). Golden has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Golden
$42,960
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Golden earn a median starting salary of $42,960, which is $7,960 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $102,608 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,621 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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