At $31,678/yr net price, Colorado College graduates earn $65,222/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $31,222/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,678 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $126,712 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,222/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,222/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 86.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,257 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,732/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,987/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,051/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,254/yr |
| $110,001+ | $51,525/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $18,628 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $37,568 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Bachelor | $21,508 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $20,482 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
86.0% of students at Colorado College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Colorado College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice and career goals. The school's $65,222 median earnings after ten years falls short of justifying its $31,678 annual net price for many graduates, particularly those pursuing liberal arts tracks.
Economics majors see the strongest payoff at $46,087 annually, making this program one of the few that clearly justifies the investment. Political Science graduates earn $37,568, which provides reasonable returns given the school's strong alumni network in government and policy work. However, Sociology, Earth Sciences, and English majors face concerning earnings of $25,194, $21,508, and $20,482 respectively. These figures barely exceed what many jobs require without a college degree.
Your biggest financial risk lies in Colorado Springs' limited job market beyond tourism and military contracting. Most high-paying opportunities require relocating to Denver or other major cities, adding moving costs and potentially weakening the alumni network advantages you paid for.
Colorado College works financially if you plan to pursue Economics, target graduate school, or have family wealth that makes debt irrelevant. The low 13.81% financial aid rate means most families pay close to full price, making this school particularly tough for middle-income students who earn too much for aid but lack resources to pay comfortably.
The $18,257 median debt level stays manageable across programs, but even this modest borrowing becomes problematic when paired with the low earnings in popular majors like English and Sociology. Unless you have specific career plans that leverage the school's alumni network or plan to attend graduate school, less expensive state universities offer better financial returns for most majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado College worth the cost for the return on investment?
Colorado College graduates earn a median of $65,222 ten years after graduation, which is solid but not exceptional given the $31,678 annual net price. The relatively low median debt of $18,257 helps make the investment more manageable than at many private colleges.
Which majors at Colorado College have the best job prospects and earnings?
Economics majors at Colorado College earn the highest starting salaries at $46,087, followed by Political Science at $37,568. Liberal arts majors like English ($20,482) and Sociology ($25,194) show significantly lower earnings, making career planning important for these fields.
How much debt do Colorado College students typically graduate with?
Colorado College students graduate with a median debt of $18,257, which is lower than the national average for private colleges. The school's financial aid helps keep debt manageable, though families should still expect significant out-of-pocket costs given the total cost of attendance.
Does Colorado College provide good financial aid to make tuition affordable?
Colorado College reduces the sticker price to an average net cost of $31,678 per year through financial aid. While this represents substantial assistance, middle and upper-middle-class families often find limited aid available and may face the full cost burden.