College Costs in Palmer Lake, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Palmer Lake, 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
$1,110
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Palmer Lake Overview
Population
20,617
Student Population
1,716 (8.3%)
Cost of Living Index
102.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Palmer Lake
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$106,916
Total After Financial Aid
$106,916
Annual Cost
$26,729
Annual After Aid
$26,729
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $106,916 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,214 |
| Total Interest | $38,765 |
| Total Loan Cost | $145,681 |
Universities in Palmer Lake
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Palmer Lake State University | Public | $12,651 |
| Palmer Lake Community College | Community | $5,771 |
Palmer Lake has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Palmer Lake vs. National Average
| Category | Palmer Lake | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,110 | $1,050 | +$60 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102.3 | 100 | +2.299999999999997 |
Palmer Lake's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Palmer Lake
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,716 students
Palmer Lake has a total population of 20,617, with approximately 1,716 college students (8.3% of the population). Palmer Lake has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Palmer Lake
$58,360
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Palmer Lake earn a median starting salary of $58,360, which is $23,360 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $106,916 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,203 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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