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Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of California-Santa Cruz

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Colorado State University-Fort Collins

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University of California-Santa Cruz

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric Colorado State University-Fort Collins University of California-Santa Cruz Winner
Acceptance Rate 90% 63% University of California-Santa Cruz
Graduation Rate 67% 76% University of California-Santa Cruz
Avg Earnings (5yr) $49,748 $49,716 Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Median Debt $20,000 $16,666 University of California-Santa Cruz
Tuition (In-State) $12,896 $14,560 Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Retention Rate 85% 90% University of California-Santa Cruz
Financial Aid 31% 29% Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Comparison Analysis

Colorado State University-Fort Collins and the University of California-Santa Cruz have similar graduate earnings. Colorado State graduates earn $49,748, while University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn $49,716. However, the University of California-Santa Cruz has a higher graduation rate at 75.7% compared to Colorado State's 66.8%.

Colorado State has a lower tuition cost at $12,896 compared to the University of California-Santa Cruz's $14,560. Colorado State has a significantly higher acceptance rate of 89.6% compared to the University of California-Santa Cruz's 62.5%.

A student's decision may depend on their priorities. If cost is a primary concern, Colorado State is more affordable. If graduation rates and selectivity are important, the University of California-Santa Cruz may be a better choice.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major Colorado State University-Fort Collins Earnings University of California-Santa Cruz Earnings Difference
Psychology, General $37,121 $30,730 21% favor Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Psychology, General $0 $30,730
Psychology, General $73,537 $30,730 139% favor Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Biology, General $32,958 $37,651 14% favor University of California-Santa Cruz
Sociology $37,335 $28,495 31% favor Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences $0 $45,088
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences $0 $45,088
Economics $48,462 $50,518 4% favor University of California-Santa Cruz
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services $0 $21,793
Political Science and Government $36,324 $31,882 14% favor Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Quick Facts

Type Public
Location Fort Collins, CO
Setting City
Students 25,148
Type Public
Location Santa Cruz, CA
Setting City
Students 17,812

Other Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado State University-Fort Collins has median earnings of $49,748 and tuition of $12,896. University of California-Santa Cruz has median earnings of $49,716 and tuition of $14,560. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

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