Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs Lamar Community College
Compare average net price ($21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins; $9,161 at Lamar Community College), ROI score (7.11 vs 10.57), ten-year median earnings ($60,543 vs $38,719), and admissions context (88.5% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins; Open / not reported at Lamar Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Lamar Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Lamar Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
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 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Lamar Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.11 | 10.57 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,279 | $9,161 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $60,543 ✓ | $38,719 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 66.5% ✓ | 54.7% |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $8,750 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 25,538 | 400 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado State University-Fort Collins costs $12,118 more per year than Lamar Community College ($21,279 vs $9,161). Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates report $21,824 higher median earnings after ten years ($60,543 vs $38,719). On EduGradify's model that puts Lamar Community College ahead on projected ROI (10.57 vs 7.11, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Lamar Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Colorado State University-Fort Collins reports 88.5% acceptance; Lamar Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs Lamar Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado State University-Fort Collins or Lamar Community College the better value?
Lamar Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.57 vs 7.11), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Lamar Community College is cheaper — average net price $9,161 per year vs $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. The annual difference of $12,118 adds up to about $48,472 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $60,543 vs $38,719 at Lamar Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $21,824.
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. Colorado State University-Fort Collins reports a C value grade; Lamar Community College reports B.