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Head-to-head comparison

University of Northern Colorado vs Colorado State University Pueblo: which has better ROI?

Public, Greeley CO · vs · Public, Pueblo CO

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

Option A Greeley, CO

University of Northern Colorado

Net price / year
$17,760
Earnings, 10 years
$52,231
Payback
18.4 yrs

Option B Pueblo, CO

Colorado State University Pueblo

Net price / year
$10,051
Earnings, 10 years
$55,563
Payback
5.6 yrs
The verdict

Colorado State University Pueblo has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $40,204 in 5.6 years versus 18.4 years at University of Northern Colorado, on median earnings of $55,563 vs $52,231 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Northern ColoradoColorado State University Pueblo
Net price / yr$17,760$10,051
Total net cost$71,040$40,204
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,231$55,563
Median debt$20,470$21,500
Payback18.4 yrs5.6 yrs
20-year net return$6,380$103,856

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Northern Colorado or Colorado State University Pueblo?

Colorado State University Pueblo, at $10,051 a year after aid versus $17,760 — a gap of $7,709 a year, or $30,836 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 Northern Colorado or Colorado State University Pueblo graduates earn more?

Colorado State University Pueblo graduates report a median $55,563 ten years after entry, $3,332 more than the $52,231 at University of Northern Colorado. 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 Northern Colorado or Colorado State University Pueblo?

University of Northern Colorado: its completers carry a median $20,470 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Colorado State University Pueblo, a difference of $1,030. 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?

51% of students finish at University of Northern Colorado, against 40% at Colorado State University Pueblo. 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 Northern Colorado vs Colorado State University Pueblo: frequently asked questions

Is University of Northern Colorado or Colorado State University Pueblo a better value?
Colorado State University Pueblo. It clears its $40,204 net cost in about 5.6 years versus 18.4 years at University of Northern Colorado, on median earnings of $55,563 vs $52,231 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Northern Colorado or Colorado State University Pueblo?
Colorado State University Pueblo: $10,051/yr net price after aid versus $17,760/yr at University of Northern Colorado — a difference of $7,709 a year, or about $30,836 over four years.
Do University of Northern Colorado or Colorado State University Pueblo graduates earn more?
Colorado State University Pueblo graduates earn a median $55,563 ten years after entry, versus $52,231 at University of Northern Colorado — a $3,332 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.