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

Private nonprofit, Denver 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 Denver has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,524 in 6.3 years versus 18.4 years at University of Northern Colorado, on median earnings of $71,155 vs $52,231 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of DenverUniversity of Northern Colorado
Net price / yr$36,131$17,760
Total net cost$144,524$71,040
Median earnings, 10 yrs$71,155$52,231
Median debt$21,844$20,470
Payback6.3 yrs18.4 yrs
20-year net return$311,376$6,380

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

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

University of Northern Colorado, at $17,760 a year after aid versus $36,131 — a gap of $18,371 a year, or $73,484 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 University of Northern Colorado graduates earn more?

University of Denver graduates report a median $71,155 ten years after entry, $18,924 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 Denver or University of Northern Colorado?

University of Northern Colorado: its completers carry a median $20,470 in federal loans versus $21,844 at University of Denver, a difference of $1,374. 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 51% at University of Northern Colorado. 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 Denver vs University of Northern Colorado: frequently asked questions

Is University of Denver or University of Northern Colorado a better value?
University of Denver. It clears its $144,524 net cost in about 6.3 years versus 18.4 years at University of Northern Colorado, on median earnings of $71,155 vs $52,231 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Denver or University of Northern Colorado?
University of Northern Colorado: $17,760/yr net price after aid versus $36,131/yr at University of Denver — a difference of $18,371 a year, or about $73,484 over four years.
Do University of Denver or University of Northern Colorado graduates earn more?
University of Denver graduates earn a median $71,155 ten years after entry, versus $52,231 at University of Northern Colorado — a $18,924 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.