College Costs in Lafayette, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Lafayette, 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
$1,305
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Lafayette Overview
Population
30,217
Student Population
2,957 (9.8%)
Cost of Living Index
96.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Lafayette
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$102,828
Total After Financial Aid
$102,828
Annual Cost
$25,707
Annual After Aid
$25,707
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $102,828 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,168 |
| Total Interest | $37,283 |
| Total Loan Cost | $140,111 |
Universities in Lafayette
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lafayette State University | Public | $11,511 |
| Lafayette Community College | Community | $5,784 |
Lafayette has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lafayette vs. National Average
| Category | Lafayette | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,305 | $1,050 | +$255 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96.7 | 100 | -3.299999999999997 |
Lafayette's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Lafayette
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,957 students
Lafayette has a total population of 30,217, with approximately 2,957 college students (9.8% of the population). Lafayette has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lafayette
$43,906
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lafayette earn a median starting salary of $43,906, which is $8,906 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $102,828 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,014 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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