Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs Lamar Community College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Colorado State University-Fort Collins, 3 for Lamar Community College — Lamar Community College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| 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 | — | — |
| Wins | 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.