Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Northern Colorado
Compare average net price ($21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins; $17,760 at University of Northern Colorado), ROI score (7.11 vs 7.35), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($60,543 vs $52,231), and admissions selectivity (88.5% acceptance at Colorado State University-Fort Collins; 85.9% at University of Northern Colorado) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | University of Northern Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.11 | 7.35 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,279 | $17,760 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $85,116 | $71,040 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $13,373 | $12,416 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $34,783 | $27,266 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $60,543 ✓ | $52,231 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.5% | 85.9% |
| Graduation rate | 66.5% ✓ | 51.2% |
| Retention rate | 85.9% ✓ | 75.9% |
| Median debt | $20,000 ✓ | $20,470 |
| Enrollment | 25,538 | 5,598 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1082 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | University of Northern Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $13,259 | $12,695 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $14,460 | $13,290 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,905 ✓ | $16,038 |
| Family income $75–110k | $21,927 | $18,441 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $29,763 | $24,306 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | University of Northern Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 12.5% | 7.7% |
| Psychology, General | 3.6% | 5.8% |
| Biology, General | 5.3% | 4.1% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 2.9% | 6.2% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 0.4% | 6.4% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | 2% | 4% |
| Communication and Media Studies | 2.2% | 2.2% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | 0.2% | 3.5% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Northern Colorado reports the lower average net price by $3,519 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $14,076 difference over four years ($71,040 vs $85,116).
Colorado State University-Fort Collins reports $8,312 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($60,543 vs $52,231). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 85.9% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins and 75.9% at University of Northern Colorado. Median federal debt among completers is $20,000 vs $20,470, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Northern Colorado, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Northern Colorado is cheaper — average net price $17,760 per year vs $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. The annual difference of $3,519 adds up to about $14,076 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $60,543 vs $52,231 at University of Northern Colorado. The gap in the federal data is $8,312. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Northern Colorado is more selective at 85.9% acceptance vs 88.5% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.