Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Denver: which has better ROI?
University of Denver has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,524 in 6.3 years versus 7 years at Colorado State University-Fort Collins, on median earnings of $71,155 vs $60,543 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | University of Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,279 | $36,131 |
| Total net cost | $85,116 | $144,524 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,543 | $71,155 |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $21,844 |
| Payback | 7 yrs | 6.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $158,544 | $311,376 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Denver?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins, at $21,279 a year after aid versus $36,131 — a gap of $14,852 a year, or $59,408 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Denver graduates earn more?
University of Denver graduates report a median $71,155 ten years after entry, $10,612 more than the $60,543 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. 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, Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Denver?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $21,844 at University of Denver, a difference of $1,844. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
76% of students finish at University of Denver, against 67% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. 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.