At $20,332/yr net price, Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates earn $60,543/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,543/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,332 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,328 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,543/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,543/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.9% |
| 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 | $11,333/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,654/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,611/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,048/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,684/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $94,915 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $83,546 | $20,962 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $81,333 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,301 | $42,118 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,706 | |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $74,845 | $185,720 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $74,576 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $73,070 | $21,569 |
The Risk Factor
66.9% of students at Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Colorado State University-Fort Collins delivers solid financial returns for students who choose their majors strategically. The $20,332 annual net price produces $60,543 median earnings after ten years, creating reasonable payback periods for most graduates.
Your major selection matters enormously here. Business and computer science programs generate nearly $95,000 annually, justifying the investment quickly. Information science graduates earn $83,546 with manageable debt loads around $21,000. Fire protection offers strong earnings at $81,333, reflecting Colorado's growing wildfire management needs. However, business administration carries concerning debt levels of $42,118 despite decent earnings.
The school's 67% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. One-third of students leave without degrees, facing loan payments without the earning power to justify them. Your persistence and academic preparation matter more than at schools with higher completion rates.
CSU works financially if you target high-earning programs and can handle the academic demands to graduation. The in-state tuition advantage makes it particularly attractive for Colorado residents in business or technology fields. Out-of-state students should compare costs carefully against similar programs elsewhere.
The low 19% financial aid rate means most students pay close to sticker price. Merit scholarships exist but require strong academic credentials. Your best cost strategy involves graduating quickly in a high-earning major rather than relying on significant aid reductions.
Avoid CSU if you're uncertain about your major or struggle with academic persistence. The combination of moderate costs and significant non-completion risk creates poor outcomes for unfocused students who might thrive better at schools with stronger support systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado State University-Fort Collins worth the cost for most students?
CSU-Fort Collins offers decent value with graduates earning $60,543 after 10 years and typical debt of $20,000. The 67% graduation rate is concerning, meaning one-third of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
Business and computer science graduates earn around $94,000 annually, making them the strongest ROI programs. Fire protection also pays well at $81,333, while other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
How much debt do Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates typically have?
The median debt is $20,000, which is manageable compared to the $60,543 average earnings. However, this only applies to the 67% of students who actually graduate.
Does Colorado State University-Fort Collins provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $20,332 per year, CSU-Fort Collins costs less than many state universities. The 91% acceptance rate means most students can get in, but aid quality varies significantly by family income.