Analysis
Colorado's competitive political science landscape makes it hard to assess Colorado Christian University's specific value without reported outcomes. Based on peer programs across the state, first-year earnings around $37,800 would put this program squarely at the state median—though notably behind Colorado's top public universities where recent grads are clearing $40,000. The estimated $24,600 in debt sits above Colorado's typical $20,700 for political science programs, though the resulting 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable compared to many liberal arts degrees.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Similar programs in Colorado span a wide range, from Metropolitan State's strong outcomes to smaller schools with less visibility. Without knowing where Colorado Christian's graduates actually land—whether in Denver's nonprofit sector, government positions, or graduate school—it's difficult to gauge whether this premium over state debt norms delivers corresponding value. For a family evaluating a $100,000+ investment, that gap matters.
If your student is committed to Colorado Christian's faith-based environment, these estimates suggest workable debt levels rather than a crisis. But push the school for clearer information: placement rates, alumni outcomes, graduate school acceptance rates. For a political science degree where the institution's network and internship connections often matter more than the curriculum itself, you need to know what this specific program actually delivers.
Where Colorado Christian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,266 | $37,759* | — | $24,625* | — | |
| $10,017 | $40,272* | $58,929 | $21,066* | 0.52 | |
| $16,430 | $39,954* | $60,121 | $19,500* | 0.49 | |
| $10,780 | $39,920* | $44,120 | $23,500* | 0.59 | |
| $59,340 | $38,059* | $57,491 | $22,000* | 0.58 | |
| $12,010 | $37,458* | $45,185 | $20,250* | 0.54 | |
| National Median | — | $35,627* | — | $23,500* | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates
Political Scientists
Economists
Environmental Economists
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
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 Colorado Christian University, approximately 33% 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 8 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.