For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in Colorado is $8,556 for Colorado residents and $21,480 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Colorado, the average tuition & fees are $28,531 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Colorado is $12,728 for Colorado residents and $21,113 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Colorado, the average graduate tuition is $21,146.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $16,561 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $18,720. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in Colorado is $26,850 for residents and $39,774 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $46,900. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $20,721 for Colorado residents and $24,616 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Colorado Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $26,850 | $39,774 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $46,900 | |
| Community Colleges | $20,721 | $24,616 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Colorado, 82 out of 87 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 33 public and 43 private colleges in Colorado. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Colorado is $7,042 for Colorado residents and $19,966 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $27,354
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $4,036 for residents and $7,931 for out-of-state students.
| Colorado Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $7,042 | $19,966 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $27,354 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $4,036 | $7,931 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $17,646 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Colorado, 31 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Colorado is $11,066 for Colorado residents and $19,451 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $20,277
| Colorado Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $11,066 | $19,451 |
| Private Schools | $20,277 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Colorado is $295 for Colorado residents and $811 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $1,076
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $628 for Colorado residents and $1,113 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $847
| Colorado Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $295 | $811 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $1,076 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $158 | $334 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $628 | $1,113 |
| Private Schools | $847 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Colorado
At colleges in Colorado, the average living cost is $16,561 when a student lives on campus facility and $18,720 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $16,400 | $19,078 |
| Private Schools | $17,111 | $18,068 |
