Colorado Springs, CO · Private University
Is Colorado College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$65,222
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$67,932
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,932
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$271,728
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
0.96x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
9 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
86.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$18,257
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$31,678
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Colorado College graduates earn $20,222 more 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 Colorado College ranked by graduate earnings
27 graduates
34 graduates
16 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Colorado College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Colorado College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Economics: $79,354) and the lowest (Biology, General: $30,274) is $49,080/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| EconomicsBest ROI | $79,354 | 1.2x |
| Biology, General | $30,274 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado College | 0.96x | $65,222 | Below Average |
| Grinnell College | 0.97x | $62,830 | Below Average |
| Carleton College | 1.15x | $75,525 | Average ROI |
| Macalester College | 0.98x | $63,878 | Below Average |
| Kenyon College | 1.04x | $71,830 | Average ROI |
| Denison University | 1.06x | $67,753 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Colorado College carries higher costs relative to graduate earnings, warranting careful consideration. Graduates earn $65,222 10 years after starting — $20,222 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 9 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.