Colorado Christian University provides a supportive environment where graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, as evidenced by a 0% federal loan default rate.
The university combines accessible admissions with program-specific strengths, particularly in nursing where graduates achieve solid career outcomes.
Colorado Christian University is a medium-sized private nonprofit institution in Lakewood, Colorado, serving students who value faith-integrated education alongside career preparation. While the university doesn't rank among the top performers nationally for overall outcomes, it provides accessible education with nearly 45% first-generation students and about 33% receiving Pell Grants. The institution maintains a completion rate of 55% within six years, reflecting its commitment to supporting students through graduation.
CCU's financial outcomes vary significantly by program choice. Nursing graduates earn a median of $63,005 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating strong career prospects in healthcare fields. Business administration, the university's largest program with 150 graduates, produces median earnings of $41,193, while psychology majors see more modest outcomes at $30,409. The university's overall median earnings of $50,416 reflect this program diversity.
As a Christian university, CCU attracts students seeking an educational environment that integrates faith with academics. The institution serves a substantial transfer population, with about 28% of students transferring in, indicating its role as a destination for students seeking to complete their degrees in a values-based setting. For families prioritizing Christian education and community support, CCU offers a pathway to degree completion with outcomes that vary considerably by field of study.
Colorado Christian University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a Christian liberal arts institution, with significant enrollment in psychology, business, and nursing. Business Administration leads in total graduates with 150 students and represents the highest aggregate return due to its scale, producing median earnings of $41,193. Psychology, with 149 graduates, demonstrates the university's emphasis on human services but shows more modest financial outcomes at $30,409 median earnings.
Nursing stands out as CCU's strongest financial performer, with 65 graduates earning a median of $63,005 ten years after enrollment. This program connects directly to Colorado's healthcare sector and demonstrates how career-focused fields can deliver solid returns even at institutions with mixed overall outcomes. The nursing program's success reflects both strong industry demand and the practical, skills-based nature of healthcare education.
The contrast between programs highlights the importance of major selection at CCU. Students interested in healthcare can expect strong career prospects and earnings, while those drawn to psychology and other liberal arts fields should understand that their career paths may require additional education or involve service-oriented roles with more modest compensation. The university's program mix serves students seeking both practical career preparation and broader liberal arts education within a Christian framework.
Colorado Christian University graduates earn a median of $50,416 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution below average compared with similar colleges nationwide. Earnings outcomes vary widely by program, with nursing graduates achieving the strongest financial results at $63,005 median earnings, while psychology majors see more modest returns at $30,409. The university's overall earnings performance reflects this program mix, where career-focused fields like nursing deliver solid outcomes while liberal arts programs show more limited financial returns.
Business Administration, CCU's largest program with 150 graduates, represents the highest aggregate return due to its combination of enrollment scale and moderate earnings of $41,193. Nursing, though smaller with 65 graduates, demonstrates the university's strongest per-student outcomes and connects directly to Colorado's growing healthcare sector. Psychology, with 149 graduates, reflects CCU's emphasis on human services fields, though these programs typically lead to careers requiring additional education or offering more modest starting salaries.
The university's earnings performance suggests that program choice significantly impacts financial outcomes. Students in healthcare and business fields generally see stronger returns on their educational investment, while those in psychology and other liberal arts areas may need to pursue additional credentials or accept that their career paths prioritize service over maximum earnings potential.
Colorado Christian University maintains relatively consistent pricing across income levels, with low-income students paying about $21,073 annually and middle-income families seeing costs of $21,574. High-income families face higher net prices of $29,328, but the university's aid structure helps keep costs manageable for most students. These price points place CCU in the lower portion of the national distribution for affordability, meaning families pay more than at many comparable institutions.
The university's debt patterns reflect moderate borrowing levels, with typical graduates carrying $28,312 in federal student loans and families taking on about $11,723 in Parent PLUS debt. While these amounts are not excessive compared with many private institutions, they represent meaningful financial commitments that require careful consideration given the university's mixed earnings outcomes. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite varying income levels.
For families considering CCU, the key affordability question centers on whether the faith-based educational experience justifies costs that exceed those at many public alternatives. The university's consistent pricing across income bands provides predictability for financial planning, though families should carefully evaluate program-specific outcomes when assessing the long-term value proposition.
Colorado Christian University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
