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

Public, Greeley CO · vs · Private nonprofit, Lakewood CO

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

The verdict

University of Northern Colorado has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,040 in 18.4 years versus 57.4 years at Colorado Christian University, on median earnings of $52,231 vs $50,416 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Northern ColoradoColorado Christian University
Net price / yr$17,760$29,500
Total net cost$71,040$118,000
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,231$50,416
Median debt$20,470$28,312
Payback18.4 yrs57.4 yrs
20-year net return$6,380-$76,880

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

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

University of Northern Colorado, at $17,760 a year after aid versus $29,500 — a gap of $11,740 a year, or $46,960 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 Northern Colorado or Colorado Christian University graduates earn more?

University of Northern Colorado graduates report a median $52,231 ten years after entry, $1,815 more than the $50,416 at Colorado Christian University. 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 Northern Colorado or Colorado Christian University?

University of Northern Colorado: its completers carry a median $20,470 in federal loans versus $28,312 at Colorado Christian University, a difference of $7,842. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at Colorado Christian University, 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 Northern Colorado vs Colorado Christian University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Northern Colorado or Colorado Christian University a better value?
University of Northern Colorado. It clears its $71,040 net cost in about 18.4 years versus 57.4 years at Colorado Christian University, on median earnings of $52,231 vs $50,416 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Northern Colorado or Colorado Christian University?
University of Northern Colorado: $17,760/yr net price after aid versus $29,500/yr at Colorado Christian University — a difference of $11,740 a year, or about $46,960 over four years.
Do University of Northern Colorado or Colorado Christian University graduates earn more?
University of Northern Colorado graduates earn a median $52,231 ten years after entry, versus $50,416 at Colorado Christian University — a $1,815 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.