Head-to-head · 2026
Pikes Peak State College vs University of Northern Colorado
Compare average net price ($6,007 at Pikes Peak State College; $17,760 at University of Northern Colorado), ROI score (16.98 vs 7.35), ten-year median earnings ($40,796 vs $52,231), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Pikes Peak State College; 85.9% at University of Northern Colorado) 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 Northern Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 16.98 ✓ | 7.35 |
| Avg net price | $6,007 ✓ | $17,760 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,796 | $52,231 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 85.9% |
| Graduation rate | 20.6% | 51.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,000 ✓ | $20,470 |
| Enrollment | 9,595 | 5,598 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1082 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Northern Colorado costs $11,753 more per year than Pikes Peak State College ($17,760 vs $6,007). University of Northern Colorado graduates report $11,435 higher median earnings after ten years ($52,231 vs $40,796). On EduGradify's model that puts Pikes Peak State College ahead on projected ROI (16.98 vs 7.35, 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 Northern Colorado reports 85.9% 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 Northern Colorado, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Pikes Peak State College or University of Northern Colorado the better value?
Pikes Peak State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.98 vs 7.35), 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 $17,760 at University of Northern Colorado. The annual difference of $11,753 adds up to about $47,012 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Northern Colorado reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $52,231 vs $40,796 at Pikes Peak State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,435.
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 Northern Colorado reports C.