Head-to-head · 2026
University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs University of Northern Colorado
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 5 wins for University of Colorado Colorado Springs, 2 for University of Northern Colorado — University of Colorado Colorado Springs 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 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Northern Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.66 ✓ | 7.35 |
| Avg net price | $15,788 ✓ | $17,760 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,659 ✓ | $52,231 |
| Acceptance rate | 97.4% | 85.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 46.9% | 51.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,000 ✓ | $20,470 |
| Enrollment | 8,697 | 5,598 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1133 ✓ | 1082 |
| Wins | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Northern Colorado costs $1,972 more per year than University of Colorado Colorado Springs ($17,760 vs $15,788). University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates report $2,428 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,659 vs $52,231). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Colorado Colorado Springs ahead on projected ROI (8.66 vs 7.35, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Colorado Colorado Springs) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Colorado Colorado Springs is accessible at 97.4% acceptance versus 85.9% (accessible) at University of Northern Colorado.
Frequently asked
University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs University of Northern Colorado, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Northern Colorado the better value?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.66 vs 7.35), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is cheaper — average net price $15,788 per year vs $17,760 at University of Northern Colorado. The annual difference of $1,972 adds up to about $7,888 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,659 vs $52,231 at University of Northern Colorado. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,428.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Northern Colorado is more selective at 85.9% acceptance vs 97.4% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
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. University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports a B value grade; University of Northern Colorado reports C.