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 4.1 yrs vs 5.5 yrs).
| Measure | University of Colorado BoulderCO | Colorado State University-Fort CollinsCO |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry2020-21 | $69,738 | $60,543 |
| Years to recoup four-year net costearnings 2020-21, net price 2024-25 | 4.1 yrs | 5.5 yrs |
| Average net price per year2024-25 | $25,346 | $21,279 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year2024-25 | $37,684 | $31,642 |
| Six-year graduation rate2024-25 | 74.2% | 66.5% |
| First-year retention (full-time)2024-25 | 90.1% | 85.9% |
| Admission rate2024-25 | 78.1% | 88.5% |
| Median federal debt at graduation2020-21 | $19,500 | $20,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment2024-25 | 31,939 | 25,538 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI)IPEDS FY2022-23 | 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 4.1 yrs vs 5.5 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 pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (data year under each measure); 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.