Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Colorado State University Pueblo

Colorado State University Pueblo's Civil Engineering Technology program punches above its weight, with graduates earning $62,138 their first year—ahead of both the national median ($59,382) and the state median ($58,408). As the state's only real alternative to Metro State, which posts lower first-year earnings, CSU Pueblo represents Colorado's stronger option for this specific technical degree path.

The 23% earnings growth to $76,106 by year four suggests solid career progression, and the $28,000 debt load matches national norms, creating a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio. That ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—a comfortable position for technical professionals. The open-admission policy and modest SAT averages shouldn't deter families; outcomes matter more than selectivity, and these outcomes are competitive.

The major caveat: fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset means these numbers could shift significantly with a larger sample. Civil Engineering Technology is a niche program nationwide (only 36 schools offer it), so your alternative options are limited anyway. For Colorado families seeking an accessible path into construction management, surveying, or infrastructure work without the full engineering degree requirements, CSU Pueblo delivers solid earnings potential at a reasonable debt level. The program works, but verify current class sizes and job placement support before committing.