Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University's nursing program graduates earn roughly $70,000 right out of school—respectable money in Grand Junction, but below what you'd expect at other Colorado nursing schools. The program sits at the 40th percentile statewide, meaning six out of ten Colorado nursing programs deliver better starting salaries. More concerning: earnings stay completely flat between year one and year four, while graduates from competing programs typically see meaningful growth as they gain experience and advance into specialized roles.

The $27,000 debt load is reasonable and matches national norms, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. That's the good news. But when you compare this to what's available elsewhere in Colorado—where Metropolitan State, Regis, and several other programs produce graduates earning $6,000-$18,000 more annually—the opportunity cost becomes clear. Over a nursing career, that earnings gap compounds significantly.

For Colorado families prioritizing in-state tuition, this program represents a safer bet than many fields, but it's not the strongest nursing option in the state. If your child can access programs in Denver or Colorado Springs through scholarships or commuting, the long-term financial picture improves substantially. The lack of earnings progression here suggests graduates may struggle to advance beyond entry-level hospital positions.