Return on Investment Analysis

University of Colorado Colorado Springs ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a University of Colorado Colorado Springs degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from University of Colorado Colorado Springs is 3.6 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending University of Colorado Colorado Springs?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at University of Colorado Colorado Springs is $38,848 ($9,712 per year). 35% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates earn?

The median earnings for University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates 5 years after enrollment is $45,766. This is $10,766 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at University of Colorado Colorado Springs costs about $38,848 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $45,766 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 3.6 years (20-year ROI: 454%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$38,848

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$10,766/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

3.6 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

454%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has a high acceptance rate of 96.6% and a student body of 8,870. The one-year earnings after graduation are $44,402, increasing to $54,659 after ten years. The median debt for students is $20,000, and 35.1% of students receive financial aid.

The in-state tuition cost is $9,712. The data indicates a positive return on investment, as the one-year earnings are significantly higher than the tuition cost. The five-year earnings are $45,766.

The graduation rate is 43.9%, and the retention rate is 67.1%.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$9,712

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,000

Median Earnings (5yr)

$45,766

Graduation Rate

44%

Receive Financial Aid

35%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$38,848	$84,077	2427%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	$38,848	$111,068	3816%
Communication and Media Studies	$38,848	$48,636	602%
Psychology, General	$38,848	$37,362	22%
Criminal Justice and Corrections	$38,848	$47,815	560%
Biology, General	$38,848	$46,894	512%
Mechanical Engineering	$38,848	$70,270	1716%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$38,848	$0	N/A
Student Counseling and Personnel Services	$38,848	$50,905	719%
Geography and Cartography	$38,848	$41,964	259%
History	$38,848	$38,626	87%
Sociology	$38,848	$39,102	111%
English Language and Literature, General	$38,848	$35,715	-63%
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General	$38,848	$54,388	898%
Political Science and Government	$38,848	$51,184	733%
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences	$38,848	$0	N/A
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering	$38,848	$86,483	2550%
Curriculum and Instruction	$38,848	$51,786	764%
Visual and Performing Arts, General	$38,848	$23,949	N/A
Economics	$38,848	$56,961	1031%
Engineering, General	$38,848	$0	N/A
Public Administration	$38,848	$54,319	895%
Educational Administration and Supervision	$38,848	$55,669	964%
Mathematics	$38,848	$65,776	1484%

Peer Comparison

University of Colorado Colorado Springs Current

454%

20yr ROI

Valley City State University

535%

20yr ROI

California State University-Los Angeles

685%

20yr ROI

University of Hawaii at Manoa

339%

20yr ROI

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

441%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$38,848

Median Debt$20,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$38,848

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of Colorado Colorado Springs worth the cost?

Based on government data, University of Colorado Colorado Springs has an estimated 20-year ROI of 454%. The total 4-year cost is $38,848 and graduates earn a median of $45,766 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a University of Colorado Colorado Springs degree?

What is the total cost of attending University of Colorado Colorado Springs?

What do University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates earn?

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.

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