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 gives you one thing: gunsmithing training that costs about $22,600 a year net. That's steep for a two-year for-profit school, and it comes with a clear return problem. Your one listed program, Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies at the associate level, reports median earnings of $28,895 a year for graduates. That's below the roughly $34,000 a typical high school graduate earns, meaning the credential does not pay for itself in the early years.
The wider earnings figure looks better at $51,591 ten years out, but that number spans all graduates and doesn't match the gunsmithing program's early wages. Treat the $28,895 as the honest signal for what this specific training earns you soon after finishing.
The math is hard to justify. You take on $20,000 in median debt to enter a field paying under $29,000. The debt load nearly equals a full year of post-graduation income, and the net price barely moves for lower-income families -- students under $30,000 in family income still face the full $22,635. There is no meaningful discount here for families with less money.
The 81.8% graduation rate is a genuine strength. you are likely to finish. But finishing a program that costs this much and pays this little is the core risk.
This school fits you only if gunsmithing is a specific career goal you cannot pursue elsewhere cheaper, and you have a clear job lined up in that niche. If you want a general trades credential or a reliable financial return, community college programs in the same fields will cost far less and often pay more. Go in with eyes open: the passion for the trade has to outweigh the numbers, because the numbers do not favor you.
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.