Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Colorado Christian University at a Glance
Colorado Christian University (CCU) is a private Christian university in Lakewood, Colorado, United States. CCU was founded by Clifton Fowler in 1914 as the Denver Bible Institute.
1914
112 years old
$9M
$9.05 million (2023)
10,563
8,234 undergrad · 2,280 grad
Identity
Is Colorado Christian University Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, Colorado Christian University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $50,416 — 6% below average — while paying $29,500/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 60% graduation rate means roughly 40% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $28,312 representing 56% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Colorado Christian University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Colorado Christian University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #87 of 122 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 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #3 | University of Tulsa | 74 | $15,000 | $61,408 |
| #4 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #5 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #6 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #87 | Colorado Christian University | 26 | $29,500 | $50,416 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Colorado Christian University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Colorado Christian University
The highest-earning program at Colorado Christian University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $62,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $28,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Colorado Christian University earns $62,200, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $28,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. 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 $31,334 in median debt vs. $22,000 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $29,500/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 | $62,200 | $62,200 | $31,334 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $52,200 | $52,200 | $29,167 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,200 | $44,200 | $24,105 |
| Psychology, General | $33,100 | $33,100 | $32,667 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $30,500 | $30,500 | $25,795 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $28,500 | $28,500 | $22,000 |
Similar Colleges in CO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lakewood, CO
- Student Body
- 5,549 students
- Graduation Rate
- 60%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $29,500
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,416
- Median Student Debt
- $28,312