Head-to-head · 2026
Pikes Peak State College vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Compare average net price ($6,007 at Pikes Peak State College; $15,788 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs), ROI score (16.98 vs 8.66), ten-year median earnings ($40,796 vs $54,659), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Pikes Peak State College; 97.4% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs) using federal College Scorecard data. Pikes Peak State College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Pikes Peak State College 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 | Pikes Peak State College | University of Colorado Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 16.98 ✓ | 8.66 |
| Avg net price | $6,007 ✓ | $15,788 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,796 | $54,659 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 97.4% |
| Graduation rate | 20.6% | 46.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,000 ✓ | $20,000 |
| Enrollment | 9,595 | 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 $9,781 more per year than Pikes Peak State College ($15,788 vs $6,007). University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates report $13,863 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,659 vs $40,796). On EduGradify's model that puts Pikes Peak State College ahead on projected ROI (16.98 vs 8.66, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Pikes Peak State College) 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; Pikes Peak State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Pikes Peak State College vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Pikes Peak State College or University of Colorado Colorado Springs the better value?
Pikes Peak State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.98 vs 8.66), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Pikes Peak State College is cheaper — average net price $6,007 per year vs $15,788 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The annual difference of $9,781 adds up to about $39,124 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,659 vs $40,796 at Pikes Peak State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,863.
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. Pikes Peak State College reports a A+ value grade; University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports B.