Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs Pikes Peak State College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Colorado State University-Fort Collins, 3 for Pikes Peak State College — Pikes Peak State 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 | Pikes Peak State College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.11 | 16.98 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,279 | $6,007 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $60,543 ✓ | $40,796 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 66.5% ✓ | 20.6% |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $9,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 25,538 | 9,595 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado State University-Fort Collins costs $15,272 more per year than Pikes Peak State College ($21,279 vs $6,007). Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates report $19,747 higher median earnings after ten years ($60,543 vs $40,796). On EduGradify's model that puts Pikes Peak State College ahead on projected ROI (16.98 vs 7.11, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Pikes Peak State 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; Pikes Peak State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs Pikes Peak State College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado State University-Fort Collins or Pikes Peak State College the better value?
Pikes Peak State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.98 vs 7.11), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Pikes Peak State College is cheaper — average net price $6,007 per year vs $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. The annual difference of $15,272 adds up to about $61,088 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $60,543 vs $40,796 at Pikes Peak State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $19,747.
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; Pikes Peak State College reports A+.