Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs vs South University-Columbia
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 Technical University-Colorado Springs and South University-Columbia come out about even on financial return. Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs scores 9/100 and South University-Columbia scores 8/100 - 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 Technical University-Colorado Springs runs $16,745 a year against $27,693 at South University-Columbia - $10,948 more a year, or about $43,792 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 $34,421 at South University-Columbia. The cost earns itself back in 94.9 years at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs and 999 years at South University-Columbia.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave South University-Columbia owing a median $26,123 versus $29,832 at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.88 and 0.80 - 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 Technical Univer... | South University-Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,750 | $18,145 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $12,750 | $18,145 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,745 | $27,693 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $66,980 | $110,772 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,100 | $32,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $37,180 | $34,421 |
| Graduation Rate | 18.8% | 23.3% |
| Payback Period | 94.9 yr | 999 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $29,832 | $26,123 |
| Monthly Payment | $316 | $277 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.88 | 0.80 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 41.5% | 45.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 32.0% | 27.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 28,086 | 450 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Colorado Technical U... | South University-Col... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $16,474 | $26,588 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $16,990 | $30,474 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $18,404 | $32,022 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $22,215 | $29,386 |
| $110,001+ | $22,394 | N/A |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Colorado Technical U... | South University-Col... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $95,519 | $91,363 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $65,877 | $53,445 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $48,816 | $46,885 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $46,981 | $46,322 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Colorado Technical U... | South University-Col... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 10 | 6 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 10 | 7 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 10 | 15 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 4 | 6 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 4 | 6 |
| Overall ROI Score | 9 | 8 |
The Verdict
It's close. Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs edges out South University-Columbia by 1 points (9 vs 8), 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 Technical University-Colorado Springs
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
South University-Columbia
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.