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

Public, Colorado Springs CO · vs · Public, Greeley CO

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

The verdict

University of Colorado Colorado Springs has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $63,152 in 10 years versus 18.4 years at University of Northern Colorado, on median earnings of $54,659 vs $52,231 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Colorado Colorado SpringsUniversity of Northern Colorado
Net price / yr$15,788$17,760
Total net cost$63,152$71,040
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,659$52,231
Median debt$20,000$20,470
Payback10 yrs18.4 yrs
20-year net return$62,828$6,380

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 Northern Colorado?

University of Colorado Colorado Springs, at $15,788 a year after aid versus $17,760 — a gap of $1,972 a year, or $7,888 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 Northern Colorado graduates earn more?

University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates report a median $54,659 ten years after entry, $2,428 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, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Northern Colorado?

University of Colorado Colorado Springs: 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?

51% of students finish at University of Northern Colorado, 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 Northern Colorado: frequently asked questions

Is University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Northern Colorado a better value?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs. It clears its $63,152 net cost in about 10 years versus 18.4 years at University of Northern Colorado, on median earnings of $54,659 vs $52,231 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Northern Colorado?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs: $15,788/yr net price after aid versus $17,760/yr at University of Northern Colorado — a difference of $1,972 a year, or about $7,888 over four years.
Do University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Northern Colorado graduates earn more?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates earn a median $54,659 ten years after entry, versus $52,231 at University of Northern Colorado — a $2,428 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.