Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,603
58th percentile (40th in CO)
Median Debt
$21,000
13% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.64
Manageable
Sample Size
20
Limited data

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

Colorado State University PuebloOther history programs

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 $33k, placing them in the 58th percentile of all history 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

History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (15 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Colorado State University Pueblo$32,603$39,888$21,0000.64
Metropolitan State University of Denver$42,785$37,394$34,1250.80
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus$38,627$37,511$23,7500.61
University of Colorado Colorado Springs$38,276$38,626$21,2500.56
University of Colorado Boulder$37,044$39,591$17,9050.48
University of Denver$36,774———
National Median$31,220—$24,0000.77

Other History Programs in Colorado

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver
$10,780$42,785$34,125
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver
$10,017$38,627$23,750
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs
$9,712$38,276$21,250
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder
$16,430$37,044$17,905
University of Denver
Denver
$59,340$36,774—

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.