Social Work at Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa's social work program punches well above its weight nationally—ranking in the 91st percentile for graduate earnings—but the numbers need an asterisk. With fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these figures could swing significantly with even a few high or low earners. Still, $42,254 represents a meaningful premium over both the national median ($37,296) and Colorado's median ($40,998), putting graduates within striking distance of the state's top program at Metro State Denver.

The $25,000 debt load sits slightly below state and national averages, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59—meaning graduates carry about seven months of first-year income in student loans. For social work, a notoriously modest-paying field, this represents a reasonable financial bargain. The concern is sustainability: Colorado Mesa's open-access mission (81% admission rate) means outcomes can vary widely depending on the cohort.

If your child is committed to social work and wants to stay in Colorado, this program offers competitive preparation at a lower cost than CSU-Fort Collins. Just understand that the impressive earnings figure may not hold steady as more data comes in. Visit campus, talk to current students, and verify that recent graduates are actually landing the types of positions that justify these numbers.