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Pikes Peak State College vs Colorado College: which has better ROI?

Public, Colorado Springs CO · vs · Private nonprofit, Colorado Springs CO

The verdict

Colorado College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $133,500 in 7.9 years versus not at all at Pikes Peak State College, on median earnings of $65,222 vs $40,796 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasurePikes Peak State CollegeColorado College
Net price / yr$6,007$33,375
Total net cost$12,014$133,500
Median earnings, 10 yrs$40,796$65,222
Median debt$9,000$18,257
Payback7.9 yrs
20-year net return-$163,294$203,740

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Pikes Peak State College vs Colorado College: frequently asked questions

Is Pikes Peak State College or Colorado College a better value?
Colorado College. It clears its $133,500 net cost in about 7.9 years versus no clear payback at Pikes Peak State College, on median earnings of $65,222 vs $40,796 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Pikes Peak State College or Colorado College?
Pikes Peak State College: $6,007/yr net price after aid versus $33,375/yr at Colorado College — a difference of $27,368 a year, or about $121,486 over four years.
Do Pikes Peak State College or Colorado College graduates earn more?
Colorado College graduates earn a median $65,222 ten years after entry, versus $40,796 at Pikes Peak State College — a $24,426 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.