Analysis
A Statistics bachelor's degree from Colorado State typically commands strong starting salaries—similar programs nationally suggest earnings around $60,000 in the first year, putting graduates well above many bachelor's-level fields. The estimated debt load of roughly $20,000 creates a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning monthly loan payments should consume well under 10% of gross income. Statistics majors enjoy robust demand across industries from tech to healthcare to finance, which helps explain why this field maintains stable employment prospects even for new graduates.
The challenge with evaluating CSU specifically is that both earnings and debt figures here are derived from comparable Statistics programs nationwide rather than actual outcomes from Fort Collins graduates. With only three schools in Colorado offering this major and none reporting granular data publicly, there's limited visibility into how CSU's program stacks up against regional competitors. That said, the national benchmarks suggest a relatively low-risk investment—Statistics degrees generally produce consistent returns, and the estimated debt burden sits at a level most graduates can handle comfortably.
For parents weighing this choice, the fundamentals look sound: a quantitative degree with versatile applications and reasonable borrowing relative to expected income. Just recognize you're making this decision based on how peer programs perform nationally, not CSU's specific track record. If your student has strong math aptitude and interest in data-driven fields, the estimated metrics suggest this path won't saddle them with unmanageable debt.
Where Colorado State University-Fort Collins Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Statistics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,896 | $59,718* | — | $20,150* | — | |
| $59,076 | $141,116* | — | —* | — | |
| $66,104 | $129,732* | — | —* | — | |
| $65,805 | $97,197* | $113,854 | $13,500* | 0.14 | |
| $63,829 | $93,111* | $142,883 | $21,375* | 0.23 | |
| $14,850 | $83,227* | $102,151 | $16,165* | 0.19 | |
| National Median | — | $59,718* | — | $20,150* | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with statistics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 State University-Fort Collins, approximately 19% 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 national median of 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.