Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Oregon
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: Colorado State University-Fort Collins and University of Oregon come out about even on financial return. Colorado State University-Fort Collins scores 69/100 and University of Oregon scores 68/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Colorado State University-Fort Collins runs $21,279 a year against $22,182 at University of Oregon - $903 more a year, or about $3,612 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Oregon graduates earn a median $61,324 against $60,543 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. The cost earns itself back in 8.8 years at Colorado State University-Fort Collins and 8.7 years at University of Oregon.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Colorado State University-Fort Collins owing a median $20,000 versus $20,139 at University of Oregon. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.50 and 0.51 - 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... | University of Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,373 | $16,137 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,783 | $44,598 |
| Net Price (avg) | $21,279 | $22,182 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $85,116 | $88,728 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,900 | $39,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,543 | $61,324 |
| Graduation Rate | 66.5% | 71.7% |
| Payback Period | 8.8 yr | 8.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,000 | $20,139 |
| Monthly Payment | $212 | $214 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.50 | 0.51 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 78.7% | 69.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 73.8% | 67.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 88.5% | 88.3% |
| Enrollment | 25,538 | 20,497 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Colorado State Unive... | University of Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,259 | $15,909 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,460 | $15,760 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,905 | $18,364 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $21,927 | $24,704 |
| $110,001+ | $29,763 | $31,021 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Colorado State Unive... | University of Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $114,076 | $100,540 |
| Mathematics | $47,835 | $82,191 |
| Chemistry | $71,615 | $81,984 |
| Economics | $69,934 | $75,695 |
| Physics | $51,927 | $75,160 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $71,631 | $52,007 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $61,434 | $70,532 |
| International Relations | $67,873 | $62,408 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $65,940 | $65,573 |
| Biology | $60,981 | $51,459 |
| Philosophy | $27,810 | $58,635 |
| Sociology | $57,300 | $55,204 |
| Linguistic and Comparative Language Studies | $55,647 | $46,886 |
| Journalism | $53,528 | $55,615 |
| Psychology | $54,268 | $50,810 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Colorado State Unive... | University of Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 67 | 66 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 69 | 71 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 73 | 72 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 71 | 81 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 66 | 39 |
| Overall ROI Score | 69 | 68 |
The Verdict
It's close. Colorado State University-Fort Collins edges out University of Oregon by 1 points (69 vs 68), 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.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Oregon
Fair 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.