Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs Adams State University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Colorado State University-Fort Collins holds a 40-point ROI advantage over Adams State University, scoring 69/100 versus 29/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Adams State University comes in at $12,980 per year (net price after aid) versus $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins - a difference of $8,299 annually, or roughly $33,196 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates earn a median of $60,543 compared to $44,372 at Adams State University. The payback period is 8.8 years at Colorado State University-Fort Collins versus 20.5 years at Adams State University.
Graduates leave Adams State University with a median $19,500 in debt versus $20,000 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.50 and 0.68 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Colorado State University... | Adams State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,373 | $9,824 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,783 | $21,944 |
| Net Price (avg) | $21,279 | $12,980 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $85,116 | $51,920 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,900 | $28,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,543 | $44,372 |
| Graduation Rate | 66.5% | 39.4% |
| Payback Period | 8.8 yr | 20.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,000 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $212 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.50 | 0.68 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 78.7% | 60.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 73.8% | 48.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 88.5% | N/A |
| Enrollment | 25,538 | 1,250 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Colorado State Unive... | Adams State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,259 | $9,947 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,460 | $10,392 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,905 | $11,921 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $21,927 | $15,787 |
| $110,001+ | $29,763 | $20,274 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Colorado State Unive... | Adams State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | $60,981 | $56,467 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $60,835 | $44,701 |
| Sociology | $57,300 | $46,948 |
| Psychology | $54,268 | $37,943 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $51,830 | $41,809 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Colorado State Unive... | Adams State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 67 | 36 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 69 | 26 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 73 | 33 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 71 | 20 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 66 | 18 |
| Overall ROI Score | 69 | 29 |
The Verdict
Colorado State University-Fort Collins significantly outperforms Adams State University on financial ROI (69 vs 29). The 40-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Adams State University offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
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Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Adams State University
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.