Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
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
Earnings Distribution
How Colorado State University Pueblo graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Pueblo | $43,067 | $50,765 | +18% |
| University of Denver | $45,866 | $59,181 | +29% |
| Colorado Mesa University | $43,111 | $55,102 | +28% |
| Fort Lewis College | $33,376 | $52,714 | +58% |
| Adams State University | $40,181 | $47,305 | +18% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,401 | $43,067 | $50,765 | $25,000 | 0.58 | |
| $43,980 | $66,739 | — | $32,592 | 0.49 | |
| $59,340 | $45,866 | $59,181 | $21,000 | 0.46 | |
| $9,712 | $43,111 | $55,102 | $24,000 | 0.56 | |
| $9,776 | $40,181 | $47,305 | $23,624 | 0.59 | |
| $12,760 | $37,212 | $35,304 | $51,764 | 1.39 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
Explore Related Programs
Business/Commerce in Colorado
- Regis University$66,739
- University of Denver$45,866
- Colorado Mesa University$43,111
- Adams State University$40,181
- Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs$37,212
Explore further
- All Programs covering the principles and practices of managing organizations, finances, and markets. Includes accounting, finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and specialized fields like supply chain and real estate. programs nationwide
- All programs at Colorado State University Pueblo
- College programs in Colorado
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.