At $16,431/yr net price, University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates earn $54,659/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,659/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,431 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $65,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,659/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,659/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.3% |
| 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 | $11,562/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,986/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,717/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,289/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,830/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. | Master | $92,358 | $54,400 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,015 | $36,448 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $24,500 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,240 | $25,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,441 | $19,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $56,544 | $22,000 |
| Sociology. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $45,048 | $29,208 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $44,170 | $47,944 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $42,682 | $32,258 |
The Risk Factor
45.3% of students at University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers solid financial returns for career-focused students, but comes with significant completion risks that can derail your investment. The $16,431 annual net price sits below national averages, while the $54,659 median earnings provide reasonable payback potential.
Nursing dominates the high-earning programs, with top graduates earning $92,358 annually despite carrying $54,400 in debt. Business administration graduates earn $71,015 with more manageable $36,448 debt loads. Engineering and computer science programs deliver strong $67,000-plus salaries with debt below $25,000, making them particularly attractive investments.
The major financial risk centers on completion rates. With only 45% of students graduating and 67% returning after freshman year, you face real odds of accumulating debt without earning a degree. This risk is especially concerning given that only 26% of students receive financial aid, meaning most families pay full price.
UCCS works best for students with clear career goals in nursing, business, or STEM fields who can handle the academic demands. The regional Colorado Springs job market supports these graduates well. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive support services or prefer a more nurturing academic environment, as the retention numbers suggest many students struggle to persist.
The relatively low aid percentage means merit scholarships may be limited, but the reasonable sticker price partially compensates. Your best strategy involves choosing high-earning majors and ensuring you have the academic preparation to graduate within four years to maximize your return on investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Colorado Colorado Springs worth the cost?
UCCS offers decent value with a net price of $16,431 and 10-year earnings of $54,659, though the 45% graduation rate is concerning. Nursing and engineering programs provide strong returns, but other majors may struggle to justify the investment.
What are the best paying majors at University of Colorado Colorado Springs?
Nursing leads with $92,358 average earnings, followed by business administration at $71,015 and electrical engineering at $69,338. Computer science graduates earn around $67,240, making these the most financially viable programs at UCCS.
How much debt do University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates have?
UCCS graduates typically leave with $20,000 in median debt, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with only 45% of students graduating, many may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does University of Colorado Colorado Springs have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary significantly by program at UCCS. Nursing and engineering graduates typically find good employment, but the low 45% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs successfully.