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Head to head · Colorado

Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Colorado Boulder

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At under $30k and below, Colorado State University-Fort Collins is the cheaper of the two; from $30–48k up, University of Colorado Boulder is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeColorado State UniversityUniversity of Colorado BoulderDifference
Under $30k$13,259$14,231$972 · Colorado State University
$30–48k$14,460$14,381$79 · University of Colorado Boulder
$48–75k$15,905$18,828$2,923 · Colorado State University
$75–110k$21,927$26,915$4,988 · Colorado State University
Over $110k$29,763$34,818$5,055 · Colorado State University

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Colorado State University-Fort Collins$92,422
University of Colorado Boulder$113,447
Difference over four years$21,024

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate89% · 78%
Average SAT— · 1357

Listed Colorado State University first, then University of Colorado Boulder. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$60,543 · $69,738
Graduate in four years47% · 57%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$20,000 · $19,500

Again Colorado State University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Colorado State University-Fort Collins — every income band · University of Colorado Boulder — every income band · All Colorado public colleges