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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt entry point with modest earnings on the other side. You leave with about $9,000 in median debt, one of the strongest points here, and you pay under $10,000 a year on average. The problem is what comes after: median earnings of roughly $41,000 ten years out sit close to what a Colorado Springs worker without a degree can reach, so the wage premium is thin.
The 23% graduation rate is the number that should stop you. Fewer than one in four of you finish, and the ROI math only works if you're in the group that does. If you enroll, drop out, and still carry debt, you get the cost without the credential. That is the single largest financial risk at this school, and it outweighs the low sticker price.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so there's no way to point you toward the majors that pay and away from the ones that don't. Choose your program based on Colorado Springs demand and transfer options, not on a promise this data can back up.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $30,000, you pay about $7,800. if it earns over $110,000, you pay more than double that at roughly $18,300. For higher earners the value case weakens fast, since you're paying near private-college-adjacent prices for a $41,000 median outcome.
This school fits you if you're cost-sensitive, likely to finish, and using it as a cheap start before transferring or entering a specific local field. If you need a degree that clearly lifts your earnings on its own, the completion odds and flat earnings here don't support the bet.
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.