Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Colorado State University-Fort Collins, 2 for University of Colorado Colorado Springs — Colorado State University-Fort Collins 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 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.11 | 8.66 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,279 | $15,788 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $60,543 ✓ | $54,659 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.5% ✓ | 97.4% |
| Graduation rate | 66.5% ✓ | 46.9% |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Enrollment | 25,538 | 8,697 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1133 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado State University-Fort Collins costs $5,491 more per year than University of Colorado Colorado Springs ($21,279 vs $15,788). Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates report $5,884 higher median earnings after ten years ($60,543 vs $54,659). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Colorado Colorado Springs ahead on projected ROI (8.66 vs 7.11, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Colorado Colorado Springs) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Colorado State University-Fort Collins is accessible at 88.5% acceptance versus 97.4% (accessible) at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Frequently asked
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Colorado Colorado Springs the better value?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.66 vs 7.11), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is cheaper — average net price $15,788 per year vs $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. The annual difference of $5,491 adds up to about $21,964 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $60,543 vs $54,659 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,884.
Which school is harder to get into?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is more selective at 88.5% acceptance vs 97.4% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
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; University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports B.