What is the starting salary for Respiratory Therapy graduates in Fort Collins?

The estimated starting salary for Respiratory Therapy graduates in Fort Collins, CO is $63,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 126. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Fort Collins are 26% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Respiratory Therapy degree worth it in Fort Collins?

A Respiratory Therapy degree in Fort Collins has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.8 years, with a projected lifetime return of $439,144 after subtracting education costs. With 5 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $12,138/year, Fort Collins offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 3.6% and the major's national unemployment rate of 1.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Respiratory Therapy in Fort Collins?

The average annual public university tuition in Fort Collins is $12,138, while private universities average $33,574/year. Including room and board ($19,826/year), total 4-year costs range from $127,856 at a public school to $213,600 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Fort Collins is $10,695/year.

What jobs can Respiratory Therapy graduates get in Fort Collins?

Respiratory Therapy graduates in Fort Collins can pursue careers as Respiratory Therapist, Pulmonary Function Technologist, Critical Care RT. Key skills valued by local employers include Ventilator Management, Airway Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, Critical Care. The Fort Collins job market features Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Hospitals, Home Health Agencies, Sleep Centers.

How long to pay off student loans for Respiratory Therapy in Fort Collins?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Respiratory Therapy graduates in Fort Collins would pay $1,452/month on an estimated $127,856 in loans, with $46,357 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,502/month but save $24,115 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $63,000, monthly payments would represent 28% of gross monthly income.

Respiratory Therapy Degree in Fort Collins, CO — Salary & ROI 2026

Respiratory Therapy degree analysis for Fort Collins, CO. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$63K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$86K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.8 yrs

in Fort Collins

Cost of Living

126

index (100 = avg)

Respiratory Therapy in Fort Collins, CO Overview

While Fort Collins has a smaller college scene with 5 institutions, Respiratory Therapy students benefit from the close-knit academic community. Room and board averages $19,826/year, and the car-friendly layout shapes the student experience. Respiratory Therapy has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Ventilator Management and Airway Management skills. The adjusted starting salary in Fort Collins is approximately $63,000.

Respiratory Therapy Salary in Fort Collins (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Fort Collins's cost of living index of 126 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$63,000(+$13,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$85,680(+$17,680 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$98,280(+$20,280 vs national)

Note: National average Respiratory Therapy salary: $50,000 starting, $68,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Fort Collins adjustment factor: 1.26x based on the local cost of living index.

Respiratory Therapy ROI Calculator for Fort Collins

Estimate your return on investment for a Respiratory Therapy degree using local Fort Collins tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $12,138 | Private avg: $33,574

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Fort Collins avg aid: $10,695/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$127,856

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$18,900

vs HS diploma in Fort Collins

ROI Payback Period

6.8 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Fort Collins

$439,144

Lifetime earnings premium ($567,000) minus total education cost ($127,856)

Student Loan Payoff for Respiratory Therapy in Fort Collins

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$127,856

Monthly Payment$1,452

Total Interest$46,357

% of Monthly Income28%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$127,856

Monthly Payment$2,502

Total Interest$22,243

Interest Savings$24,115

Colleges in Fort Collins for Respiratory Therapy

Colorado State University

public

$12,138/yr

$48,552 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Front Range Community College

$4,419/yr

Top Employers for Respiratory Therapy in Fort Collins

Fort Collins offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Respiratory Therapy graduates. National top employers in this field include:

HospitalsHome Health AgenciesSleep CentersNeonatal UnitsLong-Term Care

Key Fort Collins Hiring Sectors for Healthcare

Hospitals

Medical centers

Private practices

Health systems

Pharma companies

Common Respiratory Therapy Job Titles

Respiratory TherapistPulmonary Function TechnologistCritical Care RT

Respiratory Therapy in Nearby Colorado Cities

Denver, CO

$64K starting · COL 128

31 colleges

Colorado Springs, CO

$61K starting · COL 122

22 colleges

Aurora, CO

$56K starting · COL 111

28 colleges

Lakewood, CO

$53K starting · COL 105.8

6 colleges

Thornton, CO

$51K starting · COL 102.5

6 colleges

Arvada, CO

$53K starting · COL 105.5

5 colleges

Westminster, CO

$52K starting · COL 103.8

5 colleges

Pueblo, CO

$61K starting · COL 122

13 colleges

Other Healthcare Majors in Fort Collins

Pharmacy

$63K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Health Informatics

$63K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Nursing

$86K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Healthcare Administration

$63K starting · 4 yr ROI

Occupational Therapy

$63K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Dental Hygiene

$63K starting · 3 yr ROI

Speech-Language Pathology

$63K starting · 4.2 yr ROI

Public Health

$63K starting · 5.2 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Respiratory Therapy degree outcomes in Fort Collins, CO: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Respiratory Therapy programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Colorado.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Fort Collins using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Respiratory Therapy graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Respiratory Therapy career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Respiratory Therapy grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Fort Collins Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Colorado students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Colorado)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Colorado programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "colorado higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Respiratory Therapy Degree in Fort Collins — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Respiratory Therapy ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Fort Collins.

Respiratory Therapy Overview Colleges in Fort Collins All Majors