University of Colorado Boulder vs Oregon State University
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, University of Colorado Boulder comes out ahead: 80/100 to 75/100, a 5-point edge over Oregon 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, Oregon State University runs $19,604 a year against $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder - $5,742 more a year, or about $22,968 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn a median $69,738 against $64,010 at Oregon State University. The cost earns itself back in 6.9 years at University of Colorado Boulder and 7.5 years at Oregon State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Colorado Boulder owing a median $19,500 versus $21,221 at Oregon State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.46 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 | University of Colorado Bo... | Oregon State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $15,666 | $14,400 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $44,918 | $38,190 |
| Net Price (avg) | $25,346 | $19,604 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $101,384 | $78,416 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,700 | $42,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $69,738 | $64,010 |
| Graduation Rate | 74.2% | 70.1% |
| Payback Period | 6.9 yr | 7.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $21,221 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $225 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.46 | 0.50 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 82.4% | 76.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 77.2% | 72.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 78.1% | 77.3% |
| Enrollment | 31,939 | 30,743 |
| SAT Range | 1240-1430 | 1140-1400 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Colora... | Oregon State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $14,231 | $12,107 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,381 | $13,036 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $18,828 | $15,729 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $26,915 | $20,262 |
| $110,001+ | $34,818 | $27,459 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Colora... | Oregon State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $121,952 | $121,405 |
| Electrical Engineering | $100,631 | $105,359 |
| Physics | $75,764 | $103,167 |
| Chemical Engineering | $95,780 | $92,741 |
| Civil Engineering | $94,960 | $89,822 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,073 | $93,740 |
| Mathematics | $90,635 | $72,318 |
| Environmental Engineering | $82,020 | $87,699 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $86,441 | $73,660 |
| Economics | $73,319 | $70,436 |
| International Relations | $69,651 | $63,354 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $68,488 | $34,566 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $66,623 | $61,096 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $63,337 | $55,805 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $60,453 | $39,450 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Colora... | Oregon State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 75 | 78 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 83 | 79 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 80 | 74 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 84 | 78 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 78 | 58 |
| Overall ROI Score | 80 | 75 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Colorado Boulder edges out Oregon State University by 5 points (80 vs 75), 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.
University of Colorado Boulder
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Oregon State University
Strong 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.