College Costs in Maricopa, AZ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Maricopa, Arizona. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,110
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Maricopa Overview
Population
58,802
Student Population
4,284 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
101.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Maricopa
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$99,480
Total After Financial Aid
$99,480
Annual Cost
$24,870
Annual After Aid
$24,870
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $99,480 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,130 |
| Total Interest | $36,069 |
| Total Loan Cost | $135,549 |
Universities in Maricopa
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Maricopa State University | Public | $11,230 |
| Maricopa Community College | Community | $5,996 |
Maricopa has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Maricopa vs. National Average
| Category | Maricopa | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,400 | $10,940 | +$460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,110 | $1,050 | +$60 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.4 | 100 | +1.4000000000000057 |
Maricopa's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Maricopa
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,284 students
Maricopa has a total population of 58,802, with approximately 4,284 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Maricopa offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Maricopa
$48,184
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Maricopa earn a median starting salary of $48,184, which is $13,184 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $99,480 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,066 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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