Texas State University vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins
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 63/100, a 6-point edge over Texas 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, Texas State University runs $16,805 a year against $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins - $4,474 more a year, or about $17,896 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 $56,906 at Texas State University. The cost earns itself back in 9.5 years at Texas State University and 8.8 years at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Colorado State University-Fort Collins owing a median $20,000 versus $21,000 at Texas State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.50 - 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 | Texas State University | Colorado State University... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,450 | $13,373 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,930 | $34,783 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,805 | $21,279 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $67,220 | $85,116 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $40,600 | $39,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $56,906 | $60,543 |
| Graduation Rate | 55.3% | 66.5% |
| Payback Period | 9.5 yr | 8.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,000 | $20,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $223 | $212 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.52 | 0.50 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 68.7% | 78.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 62.1% | 73.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 89.3% | 88.5% |
| Enrollment | 36,177 | 25,538 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Texas State Universi... | Colorado State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,715 | $13,259 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,557 | $14,460 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,804 | $15,905 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,028 | $21,927 |
| $110,001+ | $24,713 | $29,763 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Texas State Universi... | Colorado State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $77,701 | $114,076 |
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician | $100,352 | $94,921 |
| Electrical Engineering | $94,780 | $99,172 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,048 | $79,256 |
| Economics | $71,739 | $69,934 |
| Chemistry | $58,396 | $71,615 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $64,830 | $70,343 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $65,502 | $69,269 |
| International Relations | $56,716 | $67,873 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $61,539 | $65,940 |
| Physics | $65,217 | $51,927 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $53,009 | $61,434 |
| Biology | $55,605 | $60,981 |
| International/Globalization Studies | $60,976 | $48,973 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $55,832 | $60,835 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Texas State Universi... | Colorado State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 72 | 67 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 64 | 69 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 70 | 73 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 50 | 71 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 37 | 66 |
| Overall ROI Score | 63 | 69 |
The Verdict
Colorado State University-Fort Collins has the clearly stronger ROI here (69 vs 63) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Texas State University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Texas State University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
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.