Head-to-head · 2026
Community College of Aurora vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Compare average net price ($8,656 at Community College of Aurora; $15,788 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs), ROI score (12.88 vs 8.66), ten-year median earnings ($44,592 vs $54,659), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Community College of Aurora; 97.4% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs) using federal College Scorecard data. Community College of Aurora has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Community College of Aurora 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 | Community College of Aurora | University of Colorado Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.88 ✓ | 8.66 |
| Avg net price | $8,656 ✓ | $15,788 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,592 | $54,659 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 97.4% |
| Graduation rate | 33.5% | 46.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,500 ✓ | $20,000 |
| Enrollment | 3,250 | 8,697 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1133 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Colorado Colorado Springs costs $7,132 more per year than Community College of Aurora ($15,788 vs $8,656). University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates report $10,067 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,659 vs $44,592). On EduGradify's model that puts Community College of Aurora ahead on projected ROI (12.88 vs 8.66, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Community College of Aurora) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports 97.4% acceptance; Community College of Aurora does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Community College of Aurora vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Community College of Aurora or University of Colorado Colorado Springs the better value?
Community College of Aurora has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.88 vs 8.66), 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 $15,788 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The annual difference of $7,132 adds up to about $28,528 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,659 vs $44,592 at Community College of Aurora. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,067.
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. Community College of Aurora reports a A value grade; University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports B.