Business/Managerial Economics at Colorado State University Pueblo
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
CSU Pueblo's Business/Managerial Economics graduates earn about $48,400 in their first year—roughly $5,000 below the national median for this degree but perfectly aligned with Colorado's state median. Here's the twist: with only two Colorado schools offering this program, that state median *is* CSU Pueblo's data. The more meaningful comparison is national, where this program lands in the 35th percentile. Graduates leave with $23,786 in debt, yielding a manageable 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio that sits better than average nationally.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, so treat them as directional rather than definitive. That said, the debt burden is reasonable—graduates earn roughly twice what they owe, which creates breathing room for loan repayment. The school's 100% admission rate and modest test scores suggest an accessible path to a bachelor's degree for students who might not qualify elsewhere.
For families prioritizing affordability and access over prestige, this presents a workable option. The earnings lag behind top business economics programs, but the debt stays contained. Just recognize you're making a decision based on limited data, and consider whether your student might thrive in the larger business programs at Boulder or Denver, which likely offer more robust career networks and employer recruiting.
Where Colorado State University Pueblo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics 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 $48k, placing them in the 35th percentile of all business/managerial economics bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (2 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Pueblo | $48,389 | — | $23,786 | 0.49 |
| National Median | $53,219 | — | $22,250 | 0.42 |
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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.