College Costs in Parker, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Parker, 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
$1,722
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Parker Overview
Population
57,706
Student Population
4,799 (8.3%)
Cost of Living Index
102.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Parker
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$108,984
Total After Financial Aid
$108,984
Annual Cost
$27,246
Annual After Aid
$27,246
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $108,984 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,237 |
| Total Interest | $39,515 |
| Total Loan Cost | $148,499 |
Universities in Parker
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Parker State University | Public | $12,542 |
| Parker Community College | Community | $5,090 |
Parker has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Parker vs. National Average
| Category | Parker | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,722 | $1,050 | +$672 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102.1 | 100 | +2.0999999999999943 |
Parker's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Parker
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,799 students
Parker has a total population of 57,706, with approximately 4,799 college students (8.3% of the population). Parker has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Parker
$48,589
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Parker earn a median starting salary of $48,589, which is $13,589 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $108,984 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,171 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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