Colorado State University-Fort Collins ROI Analysis
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
above 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. The median debt for graduates is $20,000. With an in-state tuition cost of $12,896, the annual earnings are more than three times the tuition cost.
Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $49,748. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $60,543. The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $111,139 | 2852% |
| Biology, General | $45,702 | 315% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $41,685 | 159% |
| Psychology, General | $44,703 | 276% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $83,877 | 1795% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $47,082 | 368% |
| Zoology/Animal Biology | $57,957 | 790% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $45,258 | 298% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | $89,761 | 2023% |
| Social Work | $53,503 | 617% |
| Economics | $61,513 | 928% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $101,356 | 2473% |
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.