DENVER — July 31, 2026 — The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) today released its annual Return on Investment (ROI) report, providing a comprehensive analysis of how Colorado’s public colleges and universities are preparing students for careers, economic mobility and workforce success.
“Every Coloradan should have the opportunity to study, work hard, and do better. Colorado is expanding options for every learner to get meaningful certificates and degrees to gain the skills necessary to fill in demand jobs, earn more, and strengthen our economy. Colorado’s community colleges, colleges, and universities are a great option for many students, and we are also expanding pathways to ensure that everyone can get the training and education needed to succeed,” said Governor Jared Polis.
The ROI report helps lawmakers, taxpayers, students and families better understand the value of postsecondary education in Colorado.
This year’s report examines postsecondary outcomes across credential types, programs, institutions and student demographics. It also evaluates earnings after graduation, student debt levels, affordability measures and employment outcomes.
The report specifically examines several important measures:
- How long it takes students to complete a credential and how many credits they earn
- The cost of college and student debt at graduation
- Graduate earning outcomes over time
Key Takeaways
Enrollment and Completion: Colorado public institutions awarded 51,733 certificates and degrees to resident students during the 2024-25 academic year, a 4% increase over the previous year. Fall 2024 enrollment data also show that resident enrollment in certificate and undergraduate programs has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Time and Credit to Certificate or Undergraduate Degree: Students continue to take longer than expected to complete their credentials and often earn more credits than required. On average, students complete one-year certificates in 1.4 years, associate degrees in 4.0 years, and bachelor’s degrees in 4.5 years.
Average Cost to Complete a Certificate or Undergraduate Degree: Nearly all Colorado students from families earning less than $75,000 a year who apply for aid receive financial assistance. Eligible students from families earning up to $90,000 may also qualify for Colorado Promise tax credits.
Average Student Loan Debt: The share of students graduating with debt continues to decline. In 2024-25, 41% of associate and bachelor’s degree graduates left school with debt, down from 57% in 2015-16. Average debt levels have also fallen, reducing the overall debt burden for graduates. While the percentage of undergraduates with student loan debt continues to decline, the average amount of debt that those resident students incur has increased slightly over the past couple of years.
Employment Rates: Data consistently show that higher levels of education are associated with higher employment rates, lower unemployment, and greater lifetime earnings.
Wage Outcomes: While median earnings show little variation between credential types one year after graduation (certificates: $46,259, associate degrees: $46,245, bachelor’s degrees: $48,160), the earnings gap widens significantly over time, with bachelor’s degree graduates experiencing the fastest 10-year median wage growth rate at 60.6%, followed by associate degrees at 44.5% and certificates at 34.9%.
“As Colorado faces changing workforce demands and student needs, we must continue creating affordable, flexible pathways that connect more learners to good-paying jobs and help employers find the talent they need. By expanding opportunity and promoting innovation, we can ensure Colorado remains one of the best places to live, work, and build a future,” said JB Holston, executive director of CDHE.
The report also includes interactive dashboards to help Coloradans explore education and career pathways and make informed decisions about their futures.
About the Report
To inform lawmakers, taxpayers and students about the value of postsecondary education
in Colorado, House Bill 18-1226 directed CDHE to publish an annual return on investment
report. The report was submitted to the Senate and House Education Committees of the
Colorado General Assembly pursuant to section 23-1-135, C.R.S.
About the Colorado Department of Higher Education
Working with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, CDHE supports students,
advocates for higher education and develops policies that maximize educational opportunities
for all Coloradans. The Department believes every Coloradan should have access to
education beyond high school to pursue their goals, strengthen their communities and
contribute to Colorado’s economy. Read the strategic plan, Building Skills in an Evolving Economy.