University of Colorado Boulder vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins
University of Colorado Boulder reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($69,738 vs $60,543). University of Colorado Boulder recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 3.6 yrs vs 4.5 yrs).
| Measure | University of Colorado BoulderCO | Colorado State University-Fort CollinsCO |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $69,738 | $60,543 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 3.6 yrs | 4.5 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $25,346 | $21,279 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $37,684 | $31,642 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 69.1% | 68% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 74.2% | 66.5% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 90.1% | 85.9% |
| Admission rate | 78.1% | 88.5% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $20,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 31,939 | 25,538 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 2.1 | 2.3 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado State University-Fort Collins a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of Colorado Boulder recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 3.6 yrs vs 4.5 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
University of Colorado Boulder's average net price is $25,346 per year and Colorado State University-Fort Collins's is $21,279 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.