University of Colorado Colorado Springs ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
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 | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $84,077 | 2427% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $111,068 | 3816% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $48,636 | 602% |
| Psychology, General | $37,362 | 22% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $47,815 | 560% |
| Biology, General | $46,894 | 512% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $70,270 | 1716% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $0 | N/A |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services | $50,905 | 719% |
| Geography and Cartography | $41,964 | 259% |
| History | $38,626 | 87% |
| Sociology | $39,102 | 111% |
Peer Comparison
454%
20yr ROI
535%
20yr ROI
685%
20yr ROI
339%
20yr ROI
441%
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.