Business/Commerce at Colorado State University Pueblo
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Pueblo | $43,067 | $50,765 | $25,000 | 0.58 |
| Regis University | $66,739 | — | $32,592 | 0.49 |
| University of Denver | $45,866 | $59,181 | $21,000 | 0.46 |
| Colorado Mesa University | $43,111 | $55,102 | $24,000 | 0.56 |
| Adams State University | $40,181 | $47,305 | $23,624 | 0.59 |
| Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | $37,212 | $35,304 | $51,764 | 1.39 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Colorado
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.