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

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

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

The verdict

Colorado College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $133,500 in 7.9 years versus 18.4 years at University of Northern Colorado, on median earnings of $65,222 vs $52,231 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Northern ColoradoColorado College
Net price / yr$17,760$33,375
Total net cost$71,040$133,500
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,231$65,222
Median debt$20,470$18,257
Payback18.4 yrs7.9 yrs
20-year net return$6,380$203,740

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

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

University of Northern Colorado, at $17,760 a year after aid versus $33,375 — a gap of $15,615 a year, or $62,460 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 College graduates earn more?

Colorado College graduates report a median $65,222 ten years after entry, $12,991 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 Northern Colorado or Colorado College?

Colorado College: its completers carry a median $18,257 in federal loans versus $20,470 at University of Northern Colorado, a difference of $2,213. 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 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 College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Northern Colorado or Colorado College a better value?
Colorado College. It clears its $133,500 net cost in about 7.9 years versus 18.4 years at University of Northern Colorado, on median earnings of $65,222 vs $52,231 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Northern Colorado or Colorado College?
University of Northern Colorado: $17,760/yr net price after aid versus $33,375/yr at Colorado College — a difference of $15,615 a year, or about $62,460 over four years.
Do University of Northern Colorado or Colorado College graduates earn more?
Colorado College graduates earn a median $65,222 ten years after entry, versus $52,231 at University of Northern Colorado — a $12,991 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.