At $22,635/yr net price, Colorado School of Trades graduates earn $51,591/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,591/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,635 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,540 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,591/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,591/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,635/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $28,895 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
81.8% of students at Colorado School of Trades graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Colorado School of Trades delivers poor financial returns despite its focused trade programs. With median 10-year earnings of $51,591 and a net price of $22,635 annually, you're paying premium prices for below-average trade school outcomes.
The school's flagship Precision Systems Maintenance program shows the financial problem clearly. Graduates earn just $28,895 annually while carrying $20,000 in debt, creating a debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment difficult. This earning level sits well below what skilled trades typically offer in Colorado's competitive job market.
You face significant financial risks here. The school's for-profit status means higher costs without corresponding earning power. Only 28% of students receive financial aid, leaving most to cover the full $22,635 annual cost through loans or personal funds. The 81% graduation rate, while decent, still means nearly one in five students leave without completing their program.
This school makes financial sense only if you have specific family connections in precision maintenance fields or need the exact certifications they offer. Otherwise, Colorado's community colleges provide similar training at much lower costs with better employment networks.
Your best financial strategy involves exploring Colorado community college alternatives first. Programs at Front Range Community College or Red Rocks Community College offer comparable trade training for roughly half the cost. If you're set on Colorado School of Trades, negotiate payment plans aggressively and avoid borrowing more than $15,000 total. The school's limited financial aid means you'll likely pay close to full price, making affordability your primary concern before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado School of Trades worth the cost compared to other trade schools?
Colorado School of Trades graduates earn $51,591 ten years after enrollment with median debt of $20,000, creating a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. The 82% graduation rate is solid for a trade school, though earnings vary significantly by program.
Which Colorado School of Trades programs offer the best return on investment?
Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies is the top-earning program at around $28,895 annually. Other programs may have lower earning potential, so research specific career outcomes before enrolling.
How much debt do Colorado School of Trades graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $20,000, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. With the annual net price of $22,635, students who complete programs efficiently can limit total borrowing.
Does Colorado School of Trades provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The net price of $22,635 suggests limited financial aid compared to the sticker price. Most students will need loans or personal funds to cover the full cost of attendance.