Median Earnings (1yr)Reported
$43,067
25th percentile
60th percentile in Colorado
Median DebtReported
$25,000
4% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Colorado State University PuebloPueblo$9,401$43,067$50,765$25,0000.58
Regis UniversityDenver$43,980$66,739$32,5920.49
University of DenverDenver$59,340$45,866$59,181$21,0000.46
Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction$9,712$43,111$55,102$24,0000.56
Adams State UniversityAlamosa$9,776$40,181$47,305$23,6240.59
Colorado Technical University-Colorado SpringsColorado Springs$12,760$37,212$35,304$51,7641.39
National Median$47,506$26,0000.55

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Production Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Quality Control Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geothermal Production Managers

Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels Production Managers

Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biomass Power Plant Managers

Manage operations at biomass power generation facilities. Direct work activities at plant, including supervision of operations and maintenance staff.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Hydroelectric Production Managers

Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

$106,980/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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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.