University of Denver vs Colorado College: 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 7.9 years at Colorado College, on median earnings of $71,155 vs $65,222 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Denver | Colorado College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $36,131 | $33,375 |
| Total net cost | $144,524 | $133,500 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $71,155 | $65,222 |
| Median debt | $21,844 | $18,257 |
| Payback | 6.3 yrs | 7.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $311,376 | $203,740 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Denver or Colorado College?
Colorado College, at $33,375 a year after aid versus $36,131 — a gap of $2,756 a year, or $11,024 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 Denver or Colorado College graduates earn more?
University of Denver graduates report a median $71,155 ten years after entry, $5,933 more than the $65,222 at Colorado College. 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 Denver or Colorado College?
Colorado College: its completers carry a median $18,257 in federal loans versus $21,844 at University of Denver, a difference of $3,587. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
88% of students finish at Colorado College, against 76% at University of Denver. 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.