University of Colorado Boulder vs Adams State University
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
University of Colorado Boulder holds a 51-point ROI advantage over Adams State University, scoring 80/100 versus 29/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Adams State University comes in at $12,980 per year (net price after aid) versus $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder - a difference of $12,366 annually, or roughly $49,464 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn a median of $69,738 compared to $44,372 at Adams State University. The payback period is 6.9 years at University of Colorado Boulder versus 20.5 years at Adams State University.
Graduates leave Adams State University with a median $19,500 in debt versus $19,500 at University of Colorado Boulder. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.46 and 0.68 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Colorado Bo... | Adams State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $15,666 | $9,824 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $44,918 | $21,944 |
| Net Price (avg) | $25,346 | $12,980 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $101,384 | $51,920 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,700 | $28,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $69,738 | $44,372 |
| Graduation Rate | 74.2% | 39.4% |
| Payback Period | 6.9 yr | 20.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.46 | 0.68 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 82.4% | 60.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 77.2% | 48.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 78.1% | N/A |
| Enrollment | 31,939 | 1,250 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Colora... | Adams State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $14,231 | $9,947 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,381 | $10,392 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $18,828 | $11,921 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $26,915 | $15,787 |
| $110,001+ | $34,818 | $20,274 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Colora... | Adams State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | $58,026 | $46,948 |
| Psychology | $56,867 | $37,943 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Colora... | Adams State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 75 | 36 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 83 | 26 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 80 | 33 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 84 | 20 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 78 | 18 |
| Overall ROI Score | 80 | 29 |
The Verdict
University of Colorado Boulder significantly outperforms Adams State University on financial ROI (80 vs 29). The 51-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Adams State University offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors University of Colorado Boulder.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Colorado Boulder
Strong 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.