Median Earnings (1yr)
$61,648
79th percentile
60th percentile in Colorado
Median Debt
$34,167
37% above national median

Analysis

Colorado State University Global's online accounting program produces graduates earning $61,648 in their first yearβ€”nearly $8,000 above the state median and placing it second among Colorado's accounting programs, just behind University of Denver. With debt of $34,167, students borrow roughly the Colorado average while earning significantly more, creating a favorable 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio that beats most programs nationwide.

The 6% earnings growth to $65,218 by year four isn't spectacular, but the first-year salary advantage holds steady, keeping graduates well ahead of their peers. This pattern makes sense for an online program serving working adults who often leverage existing employment for raises rather than switching careers. At the 60th percentile statewide, the program sits comfortably in Colorado's top half despite competition from traditional universities charging much higher tuition.

For families seeking accounting credentials without relocating or paying campus premiums, this represents solid value. The accessible admission (93% acceptance rate) doesn't compromise outcomesβ€”graduates out-earn peers at more selective Colorado schools. The debt level is manageable given first-year salaries, and students avoid the hidden costs of on-campus attendance. If your child needs flexibility to work while studying or wants to stay employed, this program delivers competitive Colorado wages without the debt burden typical of private universities.

Where Colorado State University Global Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Colorado State University Global graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Colorado State University Global$61,648$65,218+6%
University of Denver$67,392$80,927+20%
Regis University$58,811$65,506+11%
Metropolitan State University of Denver$54,030$64,453+19%
Colorado Mesa University$52,198$60,715+16%

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (10 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Colorado State University GlobalDenver$8,400$61,648$65,218$34,1670.55
University of DenverDenver$59,340$67,392$80,927$21,2880.32
Regis UniversityDenver$43,980$58,811$65,506$33,6680.57
Colorado State University PuebloPueblo$9,401$54,213$51,976β€”β€”
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver$10,780$54,030$64,453$26,3200.49
Colorado Christian UniversityLakewood$39,266$53,756$54,988$41,8480.78
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Global, approximately 24% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 259 graduates with reported earnings and 370 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.