Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs Adams State University
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 State University-Fort Collins comes out ahead: 69/100 to 29/100, a 40-point edge over Adams State 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, Adams State University runs $12,980 a year against $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins - $8,299 more a year, or about $33,196 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates earn a median $60,543 against $44,372 at Adams State University. The cost earns itself back in 8.8 years at Colorado State University-Fort Collins and 20.5 years at Adams State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Adams State University owing a median $19,500 versus $20,000 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.50 and 0.68 - 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 | 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
On the money, this one isn't close: Colorado State University-Fort Collins clearly outperforms Adams State University (69 vs 29), a 40-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Adams State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to 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.