Head-to-head · 2026
University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs Western Colorado University
Compare average net price ($15,788 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs; $16,425 at Western Colorado University), ROI score (8.66 vs 7.13), ten-year median earnings ($54,659 vs $46,833), and admissions selectivity (97.4% acceptance at University of Colorado Colorado Springs; 99.7% at Western Colorado University) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Colorado Colorado Springs has a 5-2 metric-level edge. University of Colorado Colorado Springs has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Western Colorado University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.66 ✓ | 7.13 |
| Avg net price | $15,788 ✓ | $16,425 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,659 ✓ | $46,833 |
| Acceptance rate | 97.4% ✓ | 99.7% |
| Graduation rate | 46.9% | 50.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,000 ✓ | $20,250 |
| Enrollment | 8,697 | 1,586 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1133 | 1230 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Western Colorado University costs $637 more per year than University of Colorado Colorado Springs ($16,425 vs $15,788). University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates report $7,826 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,659 vs $46,833). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Colorado Colorado Springs ahead on projected ROI (8.66 vs 7.13, 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 99.7% (accessible) at Western Colorado University.
Frequently asked
University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs Western Colorado University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University the better value?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.66 vs 7.13), 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 $16,425 at Western Colorado University. The annual difference of $637 adds up to about $2,548 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,659 vs $46,833 at Western Colorado University. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,826.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is more selective at 97.4% acceptance vs 99.7% at Western Colorado University.
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; Western Colorado University reports C.