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
The financial picture at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs is weak, and your major decides whether that changes. Median earnings ten years out sit near $37,000, barely above what a high school graduate might make, while median debt tops $29,000. That gap is the core problem, and the school-wide numbers explain why: only about 18% of students graduate, and fewer than half return after their first year. If you leave without the degree but keep the debt, your return is negative.
Your program is the deciding factor. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management and the nursing bachelor's both clear $73,000, and nursing does it while carrying under $14,000 in debt, the best combination on the list. Computer Science follows at $63,000. Business Administration pays roughly $46,000 but carries over $33,000 in debt, so it works far worse than nursing despite similar cost. If you enroll in nursing or a strong computing track and actually finish, the math holds. Outside those fields, the return thins out fast.
The specific risk here is completion, not tuition. A net price near $15,000 a year is manageable on its own, but with a 44% retention rate, the odds you finish and see the payoff are not in your favor. Debt lands the same whether you graduate or not.
Net price barely moves across income tiers, running about $14,800 under $30,000 and about $20,000 over $110,000. Lower-income families pay close to the same as higher-income ones, so there is little tuition cushion for tight budgets. This school fits you if you are committed to nursing or computing and confident you will finish. If you are unsure of your major or your ability to complete, look elsewhere.
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.