University of Colorado Colorado Springs maintains moderate costs that support accessible higher education for Colorado residents and regional students. The published cost of attendance totals $23,713 annually, including $9,712 in in-state tuition, $12,278 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $23,713 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,492 |
| Room and Board | $12,278 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,282 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,431 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,562 |
| $30–48k | $11,986 |
| $48–75k | $14,717 |
| $75–110k | $20,289 |
| $110k+ | $21,830 |
University of Colorado Colorado Springs maintains moderate costs that support accessible higher education for Colorado residents and regional students. The published cost of attendance totals $23,713 annually, including $9,712 in in-state tuition, $12,278 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $20,492, though many qualify for reduced rates through various programs.
The average student pays $16,431 after financial aid, representing savings of $7,282 from the sticker price. This net price runs $2,338 below the peer median of $14,093, making UCCS more affordable than typical regional public universities. The cost structure reflects Colorado's commitment to accessible public higher education while maintaining quality academic programs.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student borrowing at University of Colorado Colorado Springs remains manageable relative to both peer institutions and post-graduation earning potential. Median debt reaches $20,000 among borrowing students, running $1,105 above the peer median of $21,105 but still within reasonable ranges for four-year degree programs.
Debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $24,048 at the 75th percentile, indicating most borrowers accumulate modest amounts relative to national averages. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means typical borrowers owe roughly 37 cents for every dollar of annual income, well below concerning levels that might impair financial stability.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $19,370, requiring monthly payments of approximately $255, though this data reflects only families who choose federal parent lending rather than all families. Borrowing patterns reflect the institution's moderate costs and effective financial aid programs that limit excessive debt accumulation.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs delivers solid educational value through controlled costs, manageable debt levels, and earnings that exceed peer institutions by $4,543 annually. While graduates earn $1,149 below statistical expectations based on student demographics, this represents typical performance for regional public universities serving similar populations.
The $20,000 median debt level creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, indicating sustainable borrowing that shouldn't impair post-graduation financial stability. Net prices running $2,338 below peer medians enhance value proposition, particularly for Colorado residents benefiting from in-state tuition rates.
The combination of open access admission, moderate costs, and solid employment outcomes creates favorable conditions for students seeking practical higher education without excessive financial risk. Return on investment ranks around the national average at the 48th percentile, reflecting balanced rather than exceptional performance relative to educational costs.
Financial aid distribution at University of Colorado Colorado Springs effectively reduces costs for students across income levels, with particularly strong support for lower-income families. The $7,282 average savings from financial aid represents meaningful cost reduction from the published price.
Pell Grant eligibility among 26.2% of students indicates substantial federal aid support for the lowest-income students, while institutional and state aid programs serve middle-income Colorado residents. The progressive pricing structure demonstrates effective aid targeting, with families earning under $30,000 receiving aid that covers more than half of published costs.
Merit-based aid supplements need-based programs, though specific award criteria and amounts vary by academic preparation and program of study. Students should expect financial aid packages combining federal grants, state aid, institutional scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
