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Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Northern Colorado: which has better ROI?

Public, Fort Collins CO · vs · Public, Greeley CO

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Colorado State University-Fort Collins has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $85,116 in 7 years versus 18.4 years at University of Northern Colorado, on median earnings of $60,543 vs $52,231 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureColorado State University-Fort CollinsUniversity of Northern Colorado
Net price / yr$21,279$17,760
Total net cost$85,116$71,040
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,543$52,231
Median debt$20,000$20,470
Payback7 yrs18.4 yrs
20-year net return$158,544$6,380

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 Northern Colorado?

University of Northern Colorado, at $17,760 a year after aid versus $21,279 — a gap of $3,519 a year, or $14,076 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 Northern Colorado graduates earn more?

Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates report a median $60,543 ten years after entry, $8,312 more than the $52,231 at University of Northern Colorado. 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 Northern Colorado?

Colorado State University-Fort Collins: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $20,470 at University of Northern Colorado, a difference of $470. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

67% of students finish at Colorado State University-Fort Collins, against 51% at University of Northern Colorado. 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.

Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Northern Colorado: frequently asked questions

Is Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Northern Colorado a better value?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins. It clears its $85,116 net cost in about 7 years versus 18.4 years at University of Northern Colorado, on median earnings of $60,543 vs $52,231 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Northern Colorado?
University of Northern Colorado: $17,760/yr net price after aid versus $21,279/yr at Colorado State University-Fort Collins — a difference of $3,519 a year, or about $14,076 over four years.
Do Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Northern Colorado graduates earn more?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates earn a median $60,543 ten years after entry, versus $52,231 at University of Northern Colorado — a $8,312 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.