University of Denver vs Colorado State University Pueblo: which has better ROI?
Colorado State University Pueblo has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $40,204 in 5.6 years versus 6.3 years at University of Denver, on median earnings of $55,563 vs $71,155 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Denver | Colorado State University Pueblo |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $36,131 | $10,051 |
| Total net cost | $144,524 | $40,204 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $71,155 | $55,563 |
| Median debt | $21,844 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 6.3 yrs | 5.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $311,376 | $103,856 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Denver or Colorado State University Pueblo?
Colorado State University Pueblo, at $10,051 a year after aid versus $36,131 — a gap of $26,080 a year, or $104,320 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 State University Pueblo graduates earn more?
University of Denver graduates report a median $71,155 ten years after entry, $15,592 more than the $55,563 at Colorado State University Pueblo. 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 State University Pueblo?
Colorado State University Pueblo: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $21,844 at University of Denver, a difference of $344. 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 40% at Colorado State University Pueblo. 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.