At $6,342/yr net price, Colorado Mountain College graduates earn $44,127/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,127/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,342 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,368 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,127/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,127/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,280/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,767/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,316/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,633/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,738/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. | Associate | $58,673 | $9,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $52,607 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,456 | $13,881 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $34,298 | $5,500 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Sustainability Studies. | Bachelor | $27,295 | $10,188 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,739 | $7,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $22,917 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $16,169 |
The Risk Factor
25.9% of students at Colorado Mountain College 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
Colorado Mountain College delivers solid financial value with an extremely low net price of $6,342 annually, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right program and actually finishing your degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $58,673 while carrying just $9,000 in debt. Criminal justice also pays well at $52,607 annually. These programs justify the investment and position you well in Colorado's mountain resort economy where healthcare and public safety jobs are stable.
Business administration shows weaker returns at $40,456 with higher debt of $13,881, while veterinary technology graduates earn only $30,409. Given the low cost of attendance, even these modest salaries can work financially, but you need realistic expectations about earning potential.
The major risk here is the 25.9% graduation rate. Three out of four students leave without a degree, losing both time and money. The 56% retention rate signals many students struggle to stay enrolled even after their first year. You need strong motivation and study skills to avoid becoming part of these statistics.
This school works best if you live locally and can minimize housing costs, plan to enter nursing or criminal justice, and have the discipline to complete your program. The mountain location limits job diversity, so research your intended career field carefully in resort communities like Aspen and Vail.
With only 13% of students receiving aid, most families pay the full net price. The low sticker price means fewer scholarship opportunities, but also less need for them. You get straightforward, affordable education without financial aid complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado Mountain College worth the cost?
Colorado Mountain College offers decent value with low net costs at $6,342 per year and manageable debt averaging $9,000. However, the 25.90% graduation rate is concerning and typical earnings of $44,127 after 10 years are modest for most career goals.
What are the highest paying programs at Colorado Mountain College?
Nursing programs at Colorado Mountain College lead earnings at $58,673 annually, followed by Criminal Justice at $52,607. Most other programs result in lower earnings, with veterinary tech averaging just $30,409.
How much debt do Colorado Mountain College graduates have?
Colorado Mountain College graduates typically leave with $9,000 in debt, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. The low net price of $6,342 per year helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Colorado Mountain College?
Only 25.90% of students graduate from Colorado Mountain College, which is well below national averages. This low completion rate means many students leave without a degree while still carrying some debt.