At $14,954/yr net price, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs graduates earn $37,180/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,180/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,954 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,816 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,180/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,180/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,832 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,778/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,345/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,508/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,976/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,223/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Doctoral | $104,192 | $71,834 |
| Systems Engineering. | Master | $89,530 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $34,826 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $74,200 | $32,231 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $73,446 | $13,613 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $70,009 | $82,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $62,012 | $38,361 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $60,568 | $40,635 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $38,624 |
The Risk Factor
17.6% of students at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs 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 Technical University-Colorado Springs presents a challenging financial picture with a median 10-year earnings of just $37,180 despite a net price of nearly $15,000 per year. The school's 17.6% graduation rate creates significant risk that you won't complete your degree at all.
Computer Science majors see strong returns with earnings over $100,000, though debt loads of $71,834 temper the gains. Systems Engineering and IT Administration also deliver solid outcomes in the $75,000-$90,000 range. Nursing stands out as the best value proposition with $73,446 earnings and only $13,613 in debt. These technical programs align well with Colorado Springs' defense contractor and tech job market.
The numbers reveal steep risks beyond the low graduation rate. The 44% retention rate means most students leave after freshman year, potentially with debt but no degree. With 68% of students receiving financial aid, the published net price may understate your actual costs if you don't qualify for substantial assistance.
This school makes financial sense only if you're pursuing one of the high-earning technical majors and have strong certainty you'll complete the program. The computer science and engineering tracks can justify the investment for motivated students who thrive in online or hybrid learning environments. However, if you're unsure about your major or struggle with self-directed learning, the combination of low completion rates and modest overall earnings creates substantial downside risk.
Consider Colorado's public universities or community college transfer pathways for better graduation rates and lower costs, unless you specifically need CTU's flexible scheduling or have employer tuition assistance covering most expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs worth the cost?
The school has a very low 18% graduation rate and median earnings of just $37,180 ten years after enrollment, making it a risky investment for most students. Only computer science and engineering programs show strong earning potential that justifies the cost.
What is the ROI for Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs graduates?
With $29,832 in median debt and $37,180 in median earnings, most graduates struggle to see positive returns. Computer science majors earn $74,200-$104,192, but other programs typically don't generate enough income to offset the debt burden.
Which programs at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs have the best job prospects?
Computer science and systems engineering graduates earn $74,200-$104,192 annually, well above the school average. Nursing and IT management programs also show decent returns at around $74,000, but avoid programs outside these tech and healthcare fields.
What are the risks of attending Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs?
The 18% graduation rate means 8 out of 10 students don't finish their degree but may still accumulate debt. Even graduates often earn less than $40,000 annually, making it difficult to repay student loans for most programs.