Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Compare average net price ($21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins; $11,900 at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus), ROI score (7.11 vs 13.50), ten-year median earnings ($60,543 vs $64,270), and admissions selectivity (88.5% acceptance at Colorado State University-Fort Collins; 74.7% at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus has a 4-2 metric-level edge. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus 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 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.11 | 13.50 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,279 | $11,900 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $60,543 | $64,270 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 88.5% | 74.7% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 66.5% ✓ | 46.2% |
| Median debt | $20,000 ✓ | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 25,538 | 10,519 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1116 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado State University-Fort Collins costs $9,379 more per year than University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus ($21,279 vs $11,900). University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus graduates report $3,727 higher median earnings after ten years ($64,270 vs $60,543). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus ahead on projected ROI (13.50 vs 7.11, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus) 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 74.7% (accessible) at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus.
Frequently asked
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus the better value?
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.50 vs 7.11), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is cheaper — average net price $11,900 per year vs $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. The annual difference of $9,379 adds up to about $37,516 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $64,270 vs $60,543 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. The annual gap in the federal data is $3,727.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is more selective at 74.7% acceptance vs 88.5% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
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 Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus reports A.