Adams State University vs Paul Mitchell the School-Colorado Springs: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Adams State University comes closer — median earnings $44,372 against a $51,920 total, vs $27,683 at Paul Mitchell the School-Colorado Springs. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Adams State University | Paul Mitchell the School-Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,980 | $22,022 |
| Total net cost | $51,920 | $88,088 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $44,372 | $27,683 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $7,667 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$131,680 | -$501,628 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Adams State University or Paul Mitchell the School-Colorado Springs?
Adams State University, at $12,980 a year after aid versus $22,022 — a gap of $9,042 a year, or $36,168 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Adams State University or Paul Mitchell the School-Colorado Springs graduates earn more?
Adams State University graduates report a median $44,372 ten years after entry, $16,689 more than the $27,683 at Paul Mitchell the School-Colorado Springs. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Adams State University or Paul Mitchell the School-Colorado Springs?
Paul Mitchell the School-Colorado Springs: its completers carry a median $7,667 in federal loans versus $19,500 at Adams State University, a difference of $11,833. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
85% of students finish at Paul Mitchell the School-Colorado Springs, against 39% at Adams State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.