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University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs University of Denver: which has better ROI?

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

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

The verdict

University of Denver has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,524 in 6.3 years versus 10 years at University of Colorado Colorado Springs, on median earnings of $71,155 vs $54,659 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Colorado Colorado SpringsUniversity of Denver
Net price / yr$15,788$36,131
Total net cost$63,152$144,524
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,659$71,155
Median debt$20,000$21,844
Payback10 yrs6.3 yrs
20-year net return$62,828$311,376

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

Which is cheaper, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Denver?

University of Colorado Colorado Springs, at $15,788 a year after aid versus $36,131 — a gap of $20,343 a year, or $81,372 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Denver graduates earn more?

University of Denver graduates report a median $71,155 ten years after entry, $16,496 more than the $54,659 at University of Colorado 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, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Denver?

University of Colorado Colorado Springs: 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 47% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. 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.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs University of Denver: frequently asked questions

Is University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Denver a better value?
University of Denver. It clears its $144,524 net cost in about 6.3 years versus 10 years at University of Colorado Colorado Springs, on median earnings of $71,155 vs $54,659 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Denver?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs: $15,788/yr net price after aid versus $36,131/yr at University of Denver — a difference of $20,343 a year, or about $81,372 over four years.
Do University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Denver graduates earn more?
University of Denver graduates earn a median $71,155 ten years after entry, versus $54,659 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs — a $16,496 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.