College Costs in Lakewood, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Lakewood, 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
$1,395
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Lakewood Overview
Population
155,984
Student Population
9,490 (6.1%)
Cost of Living Index
105.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
56/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Lakewood
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$108,912
Total After Financial Aid
$108,912
Annual Cost
$27,228
Annual After Aid
$27,228
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $108,912 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,237 |
| Total Interest | $39,489 |
| Total Loan Cost | $148,401 |
Universities in Lakewood
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lakewood State University | Public | $11,245 |
| University of Lakewood | Public | $12,683 |
| Lakewood Community College | Community | $5,959 |
Lakewood has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lakewood vs. National Average
| Category | Lakewood | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,395 | $1,050 | +$345 |
| Cost of Living Index | 105.8 | 100 | +5.799999999999997 |
Lakewood'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 Lakewood
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
9,490 students
Lakewood has a total population of 155,984, with approximately 9,490 college students (6.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Lakewood offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lakewood
$35,246
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~443 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lakewood earn a median starting salary of $35,246, which is $246 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $108,912 (including room and board), it would take approximately 443 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,371 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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