Return on Higher Education Remains Strong for Colorado Students

DENVER ~ Denver, CO - The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) has released its annual Return on Investment (ROI) report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the state's public colleges and universities and their impact on students' careers, economic mobility, and workforce success. The report was released on July 31, 2026.

Governor Jared Polis emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for all Coloradans to receive quality education and training in order to succeed in today's job market. "Every Coloradan should have the opportunity to study, work hard, and do better," said Governor Polis. "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."

The ROI report serves as a valuable resource for lawmakers, taxpayers, students, and families to better understand the value of postsecondary education in Colorado. This year's report examines postsecondary outcomes across different types of credentials, programs, institutions, and student demographics. It also evaluates factors such as earnings after graduation, student debt levels, affordability measures, and employment outcomes.

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Some key takeaways from the report include an increase in resident enrollment in certificate and undergraduate programs at Colorado public institutions during the 2024-25 academic year. This marks a 4% increase from the previous year and shows that enrollment has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

However, the report also highlights that students are taking longer than expected to complete their credentials and often earning more credits than required. On average, it takes students 1.4 years to complete a one-year certificate program, 4 years for an associate degree, and 4.5 years for a bachelor's degree.

The cost of college is also addressed in the report. It states that nearly all Colorado students from families earning less than $75,000 a year who apply for aid receive financial assistance. Additionally, eligible students from families earning up to $90,000 may qualify for Colorado Promise tax credits.

The report also shows a decline in the percentage of students graduating with debt, with only 41% of associate and bachelor's degree graduates leaving school with debt in 2024-25. This is down from 57% in 2015-16. The average debt levels have also decreased, reducing the overall debt burden for graduates. However, the average amount of debt incurred by resident undergraduates has slightly increased over the past couple of years.

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Data consistently show that higher levels of education are associated with higher employment rates, lower unemployment, and greater lifetime earnings. The report also highlights that while median earnings show little variation between different types of credentials one year after graduation, the earnings gap widens significantly over time. Bachelor's degree graduates experience the fastest 10-year median wage growth rate at 60.6%, followed by associate degrees at 44.5% and certificates at 34.9%.

JB Holston, executive director of CDHE, emphasized the need for creating affordable and flexible pathways for students to connect with good-paying jobs and for employers to find the talent they need. "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," said Holston.

The ROI report also includes interactive dashboards to help Coloradans explore education and career pathways and make informed decisions about their futures. With this comprehensive analysis of postsecondary outcomes in Colorado, policymakers and individuals can make informed decisions about investing in higher education for a better future.

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