Median Earnings (1yr)
$74,960
95th percentile (60th in CO)
Median Debt
$24,234
1% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.32
Manageable
Sample Size
40
Adequate data

Analysis

Colorado State University Global's MIS program punches well above its weight nationally while landing solidly mid-pack within Colorado's competitive tech scene. Graduates earn $74,960 in their first year—outperforming 95% of MIS programs nationwide and sitting $15,000 above the national median. Within Colorado, that 60th percentile ranking reflects the state's generally strong tech employment market rather than weakness in the program itself. The debt load of $24,234 is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, and graduates see consistent income growth to nearly $90,000 by year four.

What makes this particularly compelling for working adults (CSU Global's primary audience) is that the program delivers these outcomes while maintaining a 93% acceptance rate and offering the flexibility of online education. You're not paying premium prices or jumping through elite admissions hoops to access career-changing earnings. The moderate sample size suggests steady but not massive enrollment, which is typical for online MIS programs.

For parents concerned about ROI, this program offers a straightforward path: reasonable debt paired with immediate post-graduation earnings that significantly exceed most bachelor's degrees. The strong national ranking demonstrates the degree's portability beyond Colorado's borders, which matters if your child's career takes them elsewhere.

Where Colorado State University Global Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management information systems and services bachelors's programs nationally

Colorado State University GlobalOther management information systems and services programs

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 $75k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all management information systems and services 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

Management Information Systems and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (6 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Colorado State University Global$74,960$89,876$24,2340.32
Metropolitan State University of Denver$59,451$72,945$26,4820.45
National Median$59,490—$24,0000.40

Other Management Information Systems and Services Programs in Colorado

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver
$10,780$59,451$26,482

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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.