Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado State University Pueblo vs Community College of Aurora
Compare average net price ($10,051 at Colorado State University Pueblo; $8,656 at Community College of Aurora), ROI score (13.82 vs 12.88), ten-year median earnings ($55,563 vs $44,592), and admissions context (94.9% at Colorado State University Pueblo; Open / not reported at Community College of Aurora) using federal College Scorecard data. Colorado State University Pueblo has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Colorado State University Pueblo 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 Pueblo | Community College of Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.82 ✓ | 12.88 |
| Avg net price | $10,051 | $8,656 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $55,563 ✓ | $44,592 |
| Acceptance rate | 94.9% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 39.7% ✓ | 33.5% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $10,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,042 | 3,250 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1120 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado State University Pueblo costs $1,395 more per year than Community College of Aurora ($10,051 vs $8,656). Colorado State University Pueblo graduates report $10,971 higher median earnings after ten years ($55,563 vs $44,592). On EduGradify's model that puts Colorado State University Pueblo ahead on projected ROI (13.82 vs 12.88, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Colorado State University Pueblo) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Colorado State University Pueblo reports 94.9% acceptance; Community College of Aurora does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Colorado State University Pueblo vs Community College of Aurora, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado State University Pueblo or Community College of Aurora the better value?
Colorado State University Pueblo has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.82 vs 12.88), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Community College of Aurora is cheaper — average net price $8,656 per year vs $10,051 at Colorado State University Pueblo. The annual difference of $1,395 adds up to about $5,580 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado State University Pueblo reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $55,563 vs $44,592 at Community College of Aurora. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,971.
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 Pueblo reports a A value grade; Community College of Aurora reports A.