Est. Earnings (1yr)
$53,001
Est. from CO median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$21,751
Est. from CO median (10 programs)

Analysis

Colorado business programs span a wide range, and Adams State's estimated outcomes land squarely in the middle. Based on peer programs across the state, graduates here can expect first-year earnings around $53,000β€”matching the state median and outpacing the national benchmark by roughly $7,000. The estimated debt load of $21,751 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, meaning you'd owe less than half your first year's salary, which is manageable by most standards.

The limitation here is visibility. Without reported data from Adams State itself, these estimates draw from similar Colorado programs, not actual tracked outcomes for this specific school. That matters because the top programs in the stateβ€”CSU Global, Regis, and othersβ€”show earnings climbing into the $60,000s and even approaching $70,000. Whether Adams State's actual graduates reach the state median or fall short is unknown, and that uncertainty compounds when you're investing four years and over $20,000 in debt.

The math works if the estimates hold, but you're making a decision with limited information. If proximity to Alamosa or specific program features matter, factor those heavily. Otherwise, this program looks reasonable on paper but lacks the proof that would make it a confident choice over schools with transparent track records.

Where Adams State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (17 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Adams State UniversityAlamosa$9,776$53,001*β€”$21,751*β€”
Colorado State University GlobalDenver$8,400$69,863*$76,302$33,530*0.48
Regis UniversityDenver$43,980$60,101*$64,536$31,000*0.52
Colorado Christian UniversityLakewood$39,266$56,606*$54,734$24,870*0.44
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder$16,430$56,014*$74,824$21,500*0.38
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins$12,896$54,846*$66,656$20,967*0.38
National Medianβ€”$45,703*β€”$26,000*0.57
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Adams State University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.