College Costs in Montrose, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Montrose, 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
$1,287
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Montrose Overview
Population
21,036
Student Population
1,589 (7.6%)
Cost of Living Index
94 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Montrose
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,416
Total After Financial Aid
$103,416
Annual Cost
$25,854
Annual After Aid
$25,854
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,416 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,174 |
| Total Interest | $37,496 |
| Total Loan Cost | $140,912 |
Universities in Montrose
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Montrose State University | Public | $13,404 |
| Montrose Community College | Community | $5,368 |
Montrose has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Montrose vs. National Average
| Category | Montrose | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,287 | $1,050 | +$237 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 100 | -6 |
Montrose's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Montrose
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,589 students
Montrose has a total population of 21,036, with approximately 1,589 college students (7.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Montrose offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Montrose
$41,856
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~15 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Montrose earn a median starting salary of $41,856, which is $6,856 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,416 (including room and board), it would take approximately 15 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,600 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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