Bible/Biblical Studies at Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University's Bible/Biblical Studies associate program commands a premium price—at $40,475, it carries 60% more debt than the typical program nationally and sits in the 95th percentile for debt burden. However, graduates earn $39,106 their first year, which represents the top 5% nationally for this degree and significantly outpaces the $30,154 national median. That's a meaningful difference: nearly $9,000 more per year than peers from other programs.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.04 means graduates owe roughly their entire first year's salary, which is manageable but not ideal. For context, this program is the only associate-level Bible studies option in Colorado, making direct in-state comparisons impossible. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests consistent but limited program size, which can mean more personalized attention but less historical data to evaluate long-term patterns.

For parents, the calculation hinges on whether the earnings premium justifies the higher debt load. If your child plans to work in ministry or Christian education immediately after this two-year degree—fields where even modest earnings advantages compound over time—the strong earning outcomes could offset the above-average borrowing. But if they intend to continue to a bachelor's degree, accumulating $40K in debt before junior year creates financial pressure that might limit future educational choices.