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Head-to-head comparison

University of Denver vs Colorado College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Denver CO · vs · Private nonprofit, Colorado Springs CO

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Denver, CO

University of Denver

Net price / year
$36,131
Earnings, 10 years
$71,155
Payback
6.3 yrs

Option B Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado College

Net price / year
$33,375
Earnings, 10 years
$65,222
Payback
7.9 yrs
The verdict

University of Denver has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,524 in 6.3 years versus 7.9 years at Colorado College, on median earnings of $71,155 vs $65,222 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of DenverColorado College
Net price / yr$36,131$33,375
Total net cost$144,524$133,500
Median earnings, 10 yrs$71,155$65,222
Median debt$21,844$18,257
Payback6.3 yrs7.9 yrs
20-year net return$311,376$203,740

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Denver or Colorado College?

Colorado College, at $33,375 a year after aid versus $36,131 — a gap of $2,756 a year, or $11,024 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of Denver or Colorado College graduates earn more?

University of Denver graduates report a median $71,155 ten years after entry, $5,933 more than the $65,222 at Colorado College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Denver or Colorado College?

Colorado College: its completers carry a median $18,257 in federal loans versus $21,844 at University of Denver, a difference of $3,587. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

88% of students finish at Colorado College, against 76% at University of Denver. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Denver vs Colorado College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Denver or Colorado College a better value?
University of Denver. It clears its $144,524 net cost in about 6.3 years versus 7.9 years at Colorado College, on median earnings of $71,155 vs $65,222 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Denver or Colorado College?
Colorado College: $33,375/yr net price after aid versus $36,131/yr at University of Denver — a difference of $2,756 a year, or about $11,024 over four years.
Do University of Denver or Colorado College graduates earn more?
University of Denver graduates earn a median $71,155 ten years after entry, versus $65,222 at Colorado College — a $5,933 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.