Head-to-head · 2026
Pikes Peak State College vs University of Northern Colorado
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Pikes Peak State College, 2 for University of Northern Colorado — Pikes Peak State College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| 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 |
| Wins | 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.