Social Sciences at Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global's social sciences program delivers earnings that outpace 88% of similar programs nationwide—a remarkable outcome for an online institution with a 93% admission rate. First-year graduates earn $46,384, substantially more than the national median of $37,459, and earnings grow to $49,127 by year four. However, Colorado students should note that within the state, this program sits at the median—meaning its strong national performance reflects Colorado's generally higher earnings rather than exceptional in-state positioning.

The debt picture requires careful consideration. At $37,770, borrowers graduate with nearly $13,000 more debt than the national median for social sciences programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means students owe roughly 10 months of their first year's salary—manageable but not exceptional. This represents a tradeoff between accessibility (the school accepts most applicants and serves working adults through flexible online delivery) and cost efficiency.

For Colorado families comparing local options, this program performs on par with state peers while charging a premium. The strong national standing matters less when your child will likely work in-state. If your student needs the flexibility of online learning and will enter a field where social sciences degrees command higher salaries, the debt load is reasonable. But families seeking the best value in Colorado social sciences education should confirm whether the online format justifies the additional $13,000 in debt compared to national averages.