Business Administration, Management and Operations at Colorado State University Global
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Colorado State University Global's business program delivers exceptional value that justifies its premium pricing. With median first-year earnings of $69,863, graduates significantly outperform both national ($45,703) and Colorado state averages ($53,001), ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Colorado. Even more impressive, the program manages this performance while keeping debt remarkably low at $33,530—well below both national and state medians—resulting in an excellent debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48.
The numbers tell a compelling story: graduates earn about $53% more than the national average and $32% more than other Colorado business programs, while taking on only moderately higher debt. Among Colorado's business programs, this ranks as the clear winner, outearning even prestigious institutions like CU Boulder and CSU Fort Collins by substantial margins. The 9% earnings growth from year one to four suggests strong career trajectory potential.
For anxious parents weighing this investment, the data strongly supports choosing CSU Global despite the higher debt load. The combination of top-tier earnings performance and reasonable debt creates one of the best risk-adjusted returns available for business education in Colorado. This program appears to deliver genuine premium value rather than just premium pricing.
Where Colorado State University Global Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Colorado State University Global graduates compare to all programs nationally
Colorado State University Global graduates earn $70k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Global | $69,863 | $76,302 | $33,530 | 0.48 |
| Regis University | $60,101 | $64,536 | $31,000 | 0.52 |
| Colorado Christian University | $56,606 | $54,734 | $24,870 | 0.44 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | $56,014 | $74,824 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $54,846 | $66,656 | $20,967 | 0.38 |
| Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | $53,147 | $53,884 | $41,758 | 0.79 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Colorado
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regis University Denver | $43,980 | $60,101 | $31,000 |
| Colorado Christian University Lakewood | $39,266 | $56,606 | $24,870 |
| University of Colorado Boulder Boulder | $16,430 | $56,014 | $21,500 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins | $12,896 | $54,846 | $20,967 |
| Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs Colorado Springs | $12,760 | $53,147 | $41,758 |
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 523 graduates with reported earnings and 638 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.