Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,067
25th percentile (60th in CO)
Median Debt
$25,000
4% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.58
Manageable
Sample Size
85
Adequate data

Analysis

CSU Pueblo's business program sits squarely at Colorado's median for earnings, making it a predictable middle-of-the-pack option among the state's nine business programs. Graduates earn $43,067 in their first year—about 9% below the national average but typical for Colorado. Within four years, that grows to $50,765, a solid 18% increase that suggests decent career progression. The debt load of $25,000 is reasonable, translating to a 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio that won't create financial stress for most graduates.

The state context matters here: while this program ranks in just the 25th percentile nationally, it's in the 60th percentile within Colorado, meaning it outperforms several in-state alternatives. For Colorado families comparing their options, CSU Pueblo delivers competitive outcomes at what's likely a more accessible price point than programs like Regis ($66,739) or University of Denver ($45,866). The 100% admission rate means your child will get in, and the modest debt burden won't derail their early career.

This is a safe, functional choice for students who want to stay in Colorado and need a business degree that won't break the bank. The earnings won't impress, but they're steady and growing, and the debt is manageable—exactly what you'd expect from a regional state university serving its community.

Where Colorado State University Pueblo Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally

Colorado State University PuebloOther business/commerce 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 Pueblo graduates compare to all programs nationally

Colorado State University Pueblo graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 25th percentile of all business/commerce 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/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (9 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Colorado State University Pueblo$43,067$50,765$25,0000.58
Regis University$66,739—$32,5920.49
University of Denver$45,866$59,181$21,0000.46
Colorado Mesa University$43,111$55,102$24,0000.56
Adams State University$40,181$47,305$23,6240.59
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs$37,212$35,304$51,7641.39
National Median$47,506—$26,0000.55

Other Business/Commerce Programs in Colorado

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Regis University
Denver
$43,980$66,739$32,592
University of Denver
Denver
$59,340$45,866$21,000
Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction
$9,712$43,111$24,000
Adams State University
Alamosa
$9,776$40,181$23,624
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs
$12,760$37,212$51,764

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 Pueblo, approximately 28% 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 85 graduates with reported earnings and 89 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.