At $9,682/yr net price, Pikes Peak State College graduates earn $40,796/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,796/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,682 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,728 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,796/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,796/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,824/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,962/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,947/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,446/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,345/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 | $12,946 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $40,896 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $38,829 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $33,459 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,569 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $31,133 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,202 |
The Risk Factor
23.0% of students at Pikes Peak State College 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
Pikes Peak State College delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in nursing but weak performance across most other programs. The extremely low 23% graduation rate creates significant financial risk for any student considering enrollment here.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $57,318 annually against modest debt of $12,946. This program offers solid ROI in Colorado Springs' healthcare market. Criminal justice graduates fare reasonably well at $40,896, though this barely exceeds the school's overall median. Business administration, legal support, and automotive programs all produce earnings below $40,000, making the degree cost harder to justify.
The graduation rate poses the biggest financial threat at this school. With fewer than one in four students completing their degree, you face high odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The relatively low median debt of $9,000 provides some protection, but any debt without a degree becomes problematic.
This school works financially if you can commit fully to nursing and have strong academic preparation to beat the graduation odds. The low net price of $9,682 makes it affordable for Colorado residents who need nursing training close to home. However, students interested in business, criminal justice, or trades should consider alternatives with better graduation rates and stronger regional job connections.
Financial aid reaches only 31% of students, suggesting limited institutional support. Your best strategy involves completing prerequisites elsewhere, then transferring directly into the nursing program to minimize time at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pikes Peak State College worth the money?
Pikes Peak State College offers decent value with a low net price of $9,682 per year and graduates earning $40,796 after 10 years. However, the 23% graduation rate is concerning and means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Pikes Peak State College?
Nursing programs at Pikes Peak State College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $57,318 annually. Criminal justice and business programs offer more modest returns around $38,000-$41,000 per year.
How much debt do Pikes Peak State College students graduate with?
The median debt at Pikes Peak State College is $9,000, which is relatively manageable compared to four-year schools. With earnings around $40,800, most graduates can handle this debt load if they complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Pikes Peak State College?
Only 23% of students graduate from Pikes Peak State College, which is the biggest risk factor for prospective students. This low completion rate means many students end up with debt but no degree.