At $14,173/yr net price, Adams State University graduates earn $44,372/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,372/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,173 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,692 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,372/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,372/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,130/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,511/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,658/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,496/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,092/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $24,950 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $47,260 | $31,166 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,861 | $50,683 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,126 | $24,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $34,603 | $19,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $18,340 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $28,019 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,019 | $17,125 |
The Risk Factor
31.6% of students at Adams State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Adams State University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a median 10-year salary of $44,372 that barely justifies the investment. The 31% graduation rate means most students leave without a degree but often with debt.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, generating $57,318 in median earnings with reasonable debt of $24,950. Teacher education programs also perform well, with subject-area specializations earning $52,107 and general teaching degrees bringing $44,126 with manageable debt around $24,000. Business administration graduates earn $47,260 but carry concerning debt loads of $31,166.
Clinical psychology presents a financial disaster, saddling graduates with $50,683 in debt for $44,861 in earnings. This program creates an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio that will burden graduates for decades.
The low 55% retention rate signals academic and financial struggles that extend beyond graduation rates. Students frequently transfer or drop out, often after accumulating debt without earning credits that transfer well elsewhere.
Adams State works financially if you plan to teach in Colorado or pursue nursing, especially given the rural location's lower living costs during school. The $14,173 net price is reasonable for students who actually graduate in their chosen field.
Avoid Adams State if you cannot commit fully to completing your degree or if you are considering psychology, liberal arts, or other programs not listed among the top earners. The combination of low graduation rates and weak job market connections makes this a high-risk choice for uncommitted students. Colorado residents with clear career goals in education or healthcare will find the best value here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adams State University worth the cost?
Adams State University's ROI is below average, with graduates earning $44,372 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $14,173 annually. The 31.6% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying majors at Adams State University?
Nursing programs offer the strongest returns at Adams State University, with graduates earning around $57,318. Teacher education and business programs provide modest returns in the $44,000-$52,000 range, while other programs typically fall below the school's overall average.
How much debt do Adams State University graduates have?
Adams State University graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with average earnings of $44,372, debt payments could still strain budgets for graduates in lower-paying fields.
What is the graduation rate at Adams State University?
Adams State University has a 31.6% graduation rate, meaning fewer than one in three students complete their degree. This low completion rate significantly increases the financial risk since students who don't graduate still carry debt without the degree's earning potential.