College Costs in Thornton, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Thornton, 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
$1,335
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Thornton Overview
Population
141,867
Student Population
8,988 (6.3%)
Cost of Living Index
102.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Thornton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$105,676
Total After Financial Aid
$105,676
Annual Cost
$26,419
Annual After Aid
$26,419
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $105,676 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,200 |
| Total Interest | $38,316 |
| Total Loan Cost | $143,992 |
Universities in Thornton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Thornton State University | Public | $11,406 |
| University of Thornton | Public | $12,917 |
| Thornton Community College | Community | $5,632 |
Thornton has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Thornton vs. National Average
| Category | Thornton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,335 | $1,050 | +$285 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102.5 | 100 | +2.5 |
Thornton's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Thornton
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
8,988 students
Thornton has a total population of 141,867, with approximately 8,988 college students (6.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Thornton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Thornton
$42,330
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~14 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Thornton earn a median starting salary of $42,330, which is $7,330 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $105,676 (including room and board), it would take approximately 14 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,102 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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