Analysis
Colorado State University Pueblo's history program charges significantly less debt than typical ($21,000 vs. $24,000 national median), but graduates earn notably less than other Colorado history programs—ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide with starting salaries around $32,600. That's roughly $4,300 below what history graduates at other Colorado schools typically make, and nearly $10,000 less than what graduates from Metro State Denver earn with the same degree.
The modest debt load provides some cushion—you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, which is manageable—but the trajectory raises questions. While earnings do grow 22% by year four to nearly $40,000, that still lags behind the state median by a considerable margin. The 100% admission rate and relatively accessible price point make this program approachable, but it's not translating into competitive post-graduation outcomes within Colorado's job market.
The real concern here is the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked), which makes these numbers less reliable than data from larger programs. For a family weighing options, the lower debt is attractive, but if your student is comparing multiple Colorado schools, several others deliver better earning potential at only slightly higher debt levels. If CSU Pueblo is appealing for location or cost reasons beyond just tuition, proceed carefully—but understand you're accepting below-average outcomes for Colorado history programs.
Where Colorado State University Pueblo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history 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 | $32,603 | $39,888 | +22% |
| University of Northern Colorado | $35,403 | $43,954 | +24% |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $36,272 | $42,306 | +17% |
| University of Colorado Boulder | $37,044 | $39,591 | +7% |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | $38,276 | $38,626 | +1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,401 | $32,603 | $39,888 | $21,000 | 0.64 | |
| $10,780 | $42,785 | $37,394 | $34,125 | 0.80 | |
| $10,017 | $38,627 | $37,511 | $23,750 | 0.61 | |
| $9,712 | $38,276 | $38,626 | $21,250 | 0.56 | |
| $16,430 | $37,044 | $39,591 | $17,905 | 0.48 | |
| $59,340 | $36,774 | — | — | — | |
| National Median | — | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.