College Costs in Sterling, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Sterling, 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
$1,368
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Sterling Overview
Population
14,777
Student Population
2,531 (17.1%)
Cost of Living Index
103 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
32/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Sterling
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$104,176
Total After Financial Aid
$104,176
Annual Cost
$26,044
Annual After Aid
$26,044
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $104,176 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,183 |
| Total Interest | $37,772 |
| Total Loan Cost | $141,948 |
Universities in Sterling
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling State University | Public | $12,292 |
| Sterling Community College | Community | $5,247 |
Sterling has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Sterling vs. National Average
| Category | Sterling | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,368 | $1,050 | +$318 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 100 | +3 |
Sterling's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Sterling
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,531 students
Sterling has a total population of 14,777, with approximately 2,531 college students (17.1% of the population). As a major college town, Sterling offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Sterling
$42,113
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~15 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Sterling earn a median starting salary of $42,113, which is $7,113 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $104,176 (including room and board), it would take approximately 15 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,549 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