Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Northern Colorado
Compare average net price ($21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins; $17,760 at University of Northern Colorado), ROI score (7.11 vs 7.35), ten-year median earnings ($60,543 vs $52,231), and admissions selectivity (88.5% acceptance at Colorado State University-Fort Collins; 85.9% at University of Northern Colorado) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. University of Northern Colorado 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 | University of Northern Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.11 | 7.35 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,279 | $17,760 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $60,543 ✓ | $52,231 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.5% | 85.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 66.5% ✓ | 51.2% |
| Median debt | $20,000 ✓ | $20,470 |
| Enrollment | 25,538 | 5,598 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1082 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado State University-Fort Collins costs $3,519 more per year than University of Northern Colorado ($21,279 vs $17,760). Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates report $8,312 higher median earnings after ten years ($60,543 vs $52,231). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Northern Colorado ahead on projected ROI (7.35 vs 7.11, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Northern Colorado) 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 85.9% (accessible) at University of Northern Colorado.
Frequently asked
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Northern Colorado, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Northern Colorado the better value?
University of Northern Colorado has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.35 vs 7.11), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Northern Colorado is cheaper — average net price $17,760 per year vs $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. The annual difference of $3,519 adds up to about $14,076 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $60,543 vs $52,231 at University of Northern Colorado. The annual gap in the federal data is $8,312.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Northern Colorado is more selective at 85.9% 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 Northern Colorado reports C.