College Costs in Wheat Ridge, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Wheat Ridge, 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
$1,596
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Wheat Ridge Overview
Population
31,889
Student Population
3,015 (9.5%)
Cost of Living Index
102.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
College Cost Calculator for Wheat Ridge
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$109,064
Total After Financial Aid
$109,064
Annual Cost
$27,266
Annual After Aid
$27,266
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $109,064 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,238 |
| Total Interest | $39,544 |
| Total Loan Cost | $148,608 |
Universities in Wheat Ridge
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wheat Ridge State University | Public | $13,334 |
| Wheat Ridge Community College | Community | $5,208 |
Wheat Ridge has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wheat Ridge vs. National Average
| Category | Wheat Ridge | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,596 | $1,050 | +$546 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102.4 | 100 | +2.4000000000000057 |
Wheat Ridge's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Wheat Ridge
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,015 students
Wheat Ridge has a total population of 31,889, with approximately 3,015 college students (9.5% of the population). Wheat Ridge has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wheat Ridge
$41,932
Starting Salary
2.6%
Unemployment Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
~16 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wheat Ridge earn a median starting salary of $41,932, which is $6,932 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $109,064 (including room and board), it would take approximately 16 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,026 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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