College Costs in Rifle, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Rifle, 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
$1,281
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Rifle Overview
Population
10,157
Student Population
892 (8.8%)
Cost of Living Index
101.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Rifle
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$106,684
Total After Financial Aid
$106,684
Annual Cost
$26,671
Annual After Aid
$26,671
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $106,684 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,211 |
| Total Interest | $38,681 |
| Total Loan Cost | $145,365 |
Universities in Rifle
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle State University | Public | $13,201 |
| Rifle Community College | Community | $5,500 |
Rifle has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Rifle vs. National Average
| Category | Rifle | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,281 | $1,050 | +$231 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.9 | 100 | +1.9000000000000057 |
Rifle's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Rifle
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
892 students
Rifle has a total population of 10,157, with approximately 892 college students (8.8% of the population). Rifle has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Rifle
$45,328
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Rifle earn a median starting salary of $45,328, which is $10,328 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $106,684 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,851 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Colorado
Denver
31 colleges · Avg tuition $11,380
Colorado Springs
22 colleges · Avg tuition $5,325
Aurora
28 colleges · Avg tuition $11,380
Fort Collins
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,138
Pueblo
13 colleges · Avg tuition $10,380
Boulder
8 colleges · Avg tuition $12,500
Lakewood
6 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Thornton
6 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Arvada
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Westminster
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Centennial
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Greeley
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,200
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities