Alamosa, CO · Private University
Is Adams State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$44,372
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,776
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,848
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$87,392
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.03x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
9.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
31.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,173
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Adams State University graduates earn $628 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Adams State University ranked by graduate earnings
28 graduates
79 graduates
22 graduates
40 graduates
20 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Adams State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Adams State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $65,617) and the lowest (Health and Physical Education/Fitness: $34,394) is $31,223/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $65,617 | 3.0x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $47,305 | 2.2x |
| Sociology(1yr data) | $46,948 | 2.1x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $39,802 | 1.8x |
| Psychology, General(1yr data) | $37,943 | 1.7x |
| Health and Physical Education/FitnessLowest | $34,394 | 1.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Adams State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $44,372 10 years after starting, $628 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 9.3 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.