Head-to-head · 2026
Adams State University vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Compare average net price ($12,980 at Adams State University; $15,788 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs), ROI score (8.55 vs 8.66), ten-year median earnings ($44,372 vs $54,659), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Adams State University; 97.4% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Colorado Colorado Springs has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Adams State University | University of Colorado Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.55 | 8.66 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,980 ✓ | $15,788 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,372 | $54,659 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 97.4% |
| Graduation rate | 39.4% | 46.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,500 ✓ | $20,000 |
| Enrollment | 1,250 | 8,697 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1133 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Colorado Colorado Springs costs $2,808 more per year than Adams State University ($15,788 vs $12,980). University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates report $10,287 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,659 vs $44,372). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Colorado Colorado Springs ahead on projected ROI (8.66 vs 8.55, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Colorado Colorado Springs) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports 97.4% acceptance; Adams State University does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Adams State University vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Adams State University or University of Colorado Colorado Springs the better value?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.66 vs 8.55), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Adams State University is cheaper — average net price $12,980 per year vs $15,788 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The annual difference of $2,808 adds up to about $11,232 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,659 vs $44,372 at Adams State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,287.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Adams State University reports a B value grade; University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports B.