Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$51,584
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$14,748/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
472%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates earn a median of $43,283. Five years after graduation, median earnings rise to $49,748, and ten years after graduation, median earnings are $60,543. The median debt for graduates is $20,000.
The school's in-state tuition is $12,896. With a median debt of $20,000 and a one-year post-graduation income of $43,283, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.46.
Based on the provided data, it would take less than one year for a graduate to earn an amount equal to their median debt.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$12,896
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$49,748
Graduation Rate
67%
Receive Financial Aid
31%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $51,584 | $66,656 | 1127% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | $51,584 | $41,685 | 159% |
| Biology, General. | $51,584 | $45,702 | 315% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $51,584 | $111,139 | 2852% |
| Psychology, General. | $51,584 | $44,703 | 276% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $51,584 | $47,082 | 368% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $51,584 | $83,877 | 1795% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $51,584 | $45,258 | 298% |
| Zoology/Animal Biology. | $51,584 | $36,830 | -29% |
| Economics. | $51,584 | $61,513 | 928% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $51,584 | $54,133 | 642% |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | $51,584 | $90,253 | 2042% |
Peer Comparison
472%
20yr ROI
735%
20yr ROI
915%
20yr ROI
915%
20yr ROI
315%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.