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How to use the Study Abroad Cost Calculator
- 1Choose a country. For the US, pick the state, city and type of university (community college, public or private).
- 2Choose your level of study, lifestyle and number of years.
- 3Enter the tuition from your offer letter or I-20 if you have it, and review the yearly cost, the likely range and the total.
Tuition in Colorado for international students
International students pay the out-of-state (non-resident) rate at public universities. In Colorado that averages $38,230 a year in 2025-26, compared with $13,710 for state residents. The national average is $31,880.
Fees differ widely between universities: flagship and research universities usually charge more than regional campuses, so check each university's own cost of attendance.
| Type of university | Typical tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Community college (international rate) | about $10,000 |
| Public university, out-of-state (Colorado average) | $38,230 |
| Private nonprofit university (US average) | $45,000 |
Yearly budget to study in Colorado
Tuition plus 12 months of living costs and health insurance (about $2,500 a year). Budget = sharing with two other students; average = sharing with one; comfortable = your own apartment.
| University type | Budget | Average | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college | $31,053 | $37,029 | $49,451 |
| Public university | $59,283 | $65,259 | $77,681 |
| Private university | $66,053 | $72,029 | $84,451 |
Living costs in Colorado
Across Colorado's metro areas, a typical home rents for about $2,088 a month (Zillow), so a student sharing with one other person pays around $1,044 a month for housing. Food, transport, books and personal costs add about $1,000 a month; prices in Colorado are 3.1% above the US average.
In total, expect about $2,044 a month for an average student lifestyle.
| City | Typical rent (whole home) | Your share (2 sharing) | Living cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver area | $1,900 | $950 | $1,976 |
Colorado vs neighboring states
A year at a public university (out-of-state tuition, average lifestyle, 12 months):
| State | Out-of-state tuition | Living per month | Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $23,910 | $1,504 | $44,464 |
| Kansas | $26,070 | $1,394 | $45,304 |
| Wyoming | $24,050 | $1,694 | $46,880 |
| New Mexico | $26,400 | $1,686 | $49,136 |
| Utah | $26,340 | $1,797 | $50,408 |
| Arizona | $37,570 | $1,814 | $61,835 |
| Colorado ★ | $38,230 | $2,044 | $65,259 |
Cost of studying in each US state
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost an international student to study in Colorado?
About $65,259 a year at a public university (out-of-state tuition $38,230, living about $24,529, insurance $2,500). A private university is closer to $72,029 and a community college about $37,029. That makes Colorado the 6th most expensive of the 50 states and DC for a public-university year.
How much money do I need to show for an F-1 visa?
Your university's I-20 lists the estimated cost for one academic year (tuition plus living costs), and you must show funds to cover at least that amount, usually with bank statements, a sponsor letter or a scholarship letter.
Can I work while studying in the US?
On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus during term and full time in breaks. Off-campus work is only allowed through CPT or OPT, so plan to cover your costs without relying on a job.
