Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs vs Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
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
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design holds a 4-point ROI advantage over Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, scoring 13/100 versus 9/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs comes in at $16,745 per year (net price after aid) versus $32,363 at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design - a difference of $15,618 annually, or roughly $62,472 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design graduates earn a median of $42,958 compared to $37,180 at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs. The payback period is 94.9 years at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs versus 33.9 years at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.
Graduates leave Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs with a median $29,832 in debt versus $31,000 at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.88 and 1.02 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Colorado Technical Univer... | Rocky Mountain College of... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,750 | $20,190 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $12,750 | $20,190 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,745 | $32,363 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $66,980 | $129,452 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,100 | $30,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $37,180 | $42,958 |
| Graduation Rate | 18.8% | 31.8% |
| Payback Period | 94.9 yr | 33.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $29,832 | $31,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $316 | $329 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.88 | 1.02 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 41.5% | 64.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 32.0% | 57.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 28,086 | 2,050 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Colorado Technical U... | Rocky Mountain Colle... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $16,474 | $29,847 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $16,990 | $29,351 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $18,404 | $32,387 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $22,215 | $36,040 |
| $110,001+ | $22,394 | $36,201 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Colorado Technical U... | Rocky Mountain Colle... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 10 | 12 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 10 | 15 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 10 | 5 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 4 | 12 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 4 | 25 |
| Overall ROI Score | 9 | 13 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design edges out Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs by 4 points (13 vs 9), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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 Technical University-Colorado Springs
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
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.