Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,603
58th percentile
40th percentile in Colorado
Median Debt
$21,000
13% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Colorado State University PuebloPueblo$9,401$32,603$39,888$21,0000.64
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver$10,780$42,785$37,394$34,1250.80
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver$10,017$38,627$37,511$23,7500.61
University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs$9,712$38,276$38,626$21,2500.56
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder$16,430$37,044$39,591$17,9050.48
University of DenverDenver$59,340$36,774
National Median$31,220$24,0000.77

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with history graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

History Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Historians

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

$74,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

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.