Adams State University
Adams State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Adams State University at a Glance
Adams State University is a public university in Alamosa, Colorado, United States. The university's Adams State Grizzlies athletic teams compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
1921
105 years old
$23M
$23 million (2021)
3,007
1,644 undergrad · 1,363 grad
Identity
Is Adams State University Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, Adams State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,372 — 18% below average — while paying $12,980/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 36% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Adams State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Adams State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in CO
Ranked #71 of 107 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #4 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #5 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #6 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #71 | Adams State University | 31 | $12,980 | $44,372 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Adams State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in CO.
Best Programs at Adams State University
The highest-earning program at Adams State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $30,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Adams State University earns $54,100, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $30,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,896 in median debt vs. $18,981 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,980/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $54,100 | $54,100 | $27,896 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $32,900 | $32,900 | $21,625 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $30,400 | $30,400 | $18,981 |
Similar Colleges in CO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Alamosa, CO
- Student Body
- 1,250 students
- Graduation Rate
- 36%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,980
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,372
- Median Student Debt
- $19,500