Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado · Private Nonprofit
ROI Score: 34/100 · Poor Value
Colorado Christian University (CCU) is a private evangelical Christian institution in Lakewood, Colorado (Denver metro), enrolling approximately 5,549 students. Its ROI score of 34 places it in the Poor Value tier. Tuition is $41,342, and the average net price of $29,500 produces a four-year cost estimate of $118,000—one of the most expensive net-price profiles in this cohort. Six-year median earnings of $37,600 and ten-year median earnings of $50,416 are modest relative to cost. The payback period of 16.7 years is long. Median debt of $28,312 is high, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.753 reflects significant leverage. The completion rate of 64.4% is below average, meaning more than a third of students do not finish. Repayment rates at year three are 70.7%. Pell Grant recipients represent 37.5% of students. CCU's program-level outcomes show significant variation: business and computer science graduates perform reasonably, while nursing carries above-average debt, and bible/biblical studies and criminal justice produce the weakest financial outcomes. CCU appeals to students seeking a distinctively Christian worldview integrated into academics, but the financial metrics demand careful scrutiny at the current net price.
The data raises concerns about Colorado Christian University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score34/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Payback period16.7 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Colorado Christian University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $41,342/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $41,342/yr |
| Average net price | $29,500/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $118,000 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,416 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $28,312 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $300 |
| Estimated payback period | 16.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 64.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 5,549 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Colorado Christian University is $41,342/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $29,500/year, or roughly $118,000 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $26,010/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $33,274/year.
The median graduate leaves with $28,312 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $300 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $50,416 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.75 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,010 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,819 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,203 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,257 |
| $110,001+ | $33,274 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Students with family incomes below $30,000 pay an average net price of $26,010 per year—roughly $104,000 over four years. Against six-year median earnings of $37,600 and a 16.7-year payback, this is a serious financial risk. Low-income students considering CCU should compare it carefully against Colorado's public universities, which offer comparable or better career outcomes at significantly lower cost.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families ($30,001–$75,000) face net prices of $24,819–$27,203. The relatively compressed range suggests limited additional merit differentiation for this income band. At $25,000–$27,000 per year, business and CS graduates can justify the investment; most other programs produce concerning long-term financial outcomes.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Higher-income families ($75,001 and above) pay $26,257–$33,274. For families able to finance attendance without heavy borrowing, CCU's Denver location and evangelical academic community provide real value. The financial risk falls primarily on borrowers—families who can cash-flow attendance change the ROI calculation materially.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Colorado Christian University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $72,519 | B |
| Registered Nursing | $87,990 | D |
| Psychology | $54,887 | F |
| Teacher Education | $43,168 | C |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $44,270 | F |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $28,534 | C |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $60,115 | D |
| Accounting | $64,060 | D |
| Human Resources Management | $69,617 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $44,245 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business (120 graduates) earns a B grade—CCU's strongest tracked program. Year-one earnings of $56,606 and four-year earnings of $72,519 are solid. Median debt of $24,870 and a ratio of 0.439 are well-controlled. Business graduates from CCU's Denver-area campus find placement in the growing Colorado economy across finance, corporate services, and tech-adjacent roles.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer Science (10 graduates) earns a C+ grade with year-one earnings of $75,288 and four-year earnings of $91,195. Median debt of $35,886 and a ratio of 0.477 reflect higher borrowing than the institutional average. The earnings potential is strong, but the debt load is higher than expected—students should use the net price calculator and minimize borrowing where possible.
Registered Nursing
Nursing (74 graduates) earns a D grade—an unusual result for nursing. Year-one earnings of $71,388 and four-year earnings of $87,990 are solid, but median debt of $54,709 and a ratio of 0.766 reflect dramatically higher borrowing than nursing programs at public institutions. CCU's nursing program appears to incur debt well above program-level norms, significantly degrading ROI.
Bible/Biblical Studies
Bible/Biblical Studies (37 graduates) earns an F grade with year-one earnings of $39,272, median debt of $51,000, and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.299. Graduates owe more than 1.3 years of income at entry. This program carries the highest debt burden on campus alongside weak starting wages. Students called to ministry should model whether lower-cost seminary or online Bible college options better serve their financial situation.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 68.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 70.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 62.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 71.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 5,549 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 37.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,470 |
CCU does not report admission rate or standardized test data, consistent with its broadly accessible enrollment model. The primary enrollment filter is alignment with the university's evangelical Christian community and lifestyle standards, not academic selectivity.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Against peers like Saint Leo University and Franklin University, CCU's 34 ROI score and 16.7-year payback are below average for evangelical Christian institutions at comparable price points. The average net price of $29,500 is notably high for a school with median six-year earnings of $37,600. Peer institutions like Taylor University or Bethel University in Indiana offer similar faith integration at lower net cost with better earnings outcomes.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Christian University (this school) | 34 | $29,500 | $50,416 |
| Evangel University | 35 | $18,669 | $46,573 |
| William Carey University | 34 | $14,258 | $43,087 |
| Lancaster Bible College | 34 | $25,480 | $44,096 |
| Bethel University | 34 | $12,595 | $47,482 |
| Mississippi College | 33 | $27,712 | $47,485 |
Who Thrives Here
CCU is best suited for students deeply committed to its evangelical Christian mission and worldview integration who plan to enter business, computer science, or allied health fields. Students who receive substantial institutional grants that reduce net price below $20,000 have a more defensible financial case. Students considering biblical studies, criminal justice, or psychology at CCU's current net price face outcomes that are difficult to justify financially.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Colorado Christian University. With a net cost of $29,500 per year and median graduate earnings of only $50,416 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 16.7 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $28,312 against $50,416 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.