Ashford University vs Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs comes out ahead: 9/100 to 6/100, a 3-point edge over Ashford University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs runs $16,745 a year against $31,266 at Ashford University - $14,521 more a year, or about $58,084 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs graduates earn a median $37,180 against $35,404 at Ashford University. The cost earns itself back in 656.1 years at Ashford University and 94.9 years at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs owing a median $29,832 versus $31,250 at Ashford University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.92 and 0.88 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Ashford University | Colorado Technical Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,960 | $12,750 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $11,960 | $12,750 |
| Net Price (avg) | $31,266 | $16,745 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $125,064 | $66,980 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,000 | $34,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $35,404 | $37,180 |
| Graduation Rate | 10.7% | 18.8% |
| Payback Period | 656.1 yr | 94.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $31,250 | $29,832 |
| Monthly Payment | $331 | $316 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.92 | 0.88 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 42.1% | 41.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 29.3% | 32.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 20,152 | 28,086 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Ashford University | Colorado Technical U... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $31,009 | $16,474 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $31,862 | $16,990 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $33,319 | $18,404 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $32,953 | $22,215 |
| $110,001+ | $33,593 | $22,394 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Ashford University | Colorado Technical U... |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $71,782 | $65,877 |
| Accounting | $61,522 | $57,068 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $60,144 | $46,981 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $53,801 | $48,816 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Ashford University | Colorado Technical U... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 7 | 10 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 7 | 10 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 8 | 10 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 1 | 4 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 4 | 4 |
| Overall ROI Score | 6 | 9 |
The Verdict
It's close. Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs edges out Ashford University by 3 points (9 vs 6), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Ashford University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.