Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,133
17th percentile (25th in CO)
Median Debt
$22,000
14% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.81
Manageable
Sample Size
53
Adequate data

Analysis

At $27,133 initially, CSU Pueblo psychology graduates start near the bottom among Colorado psychology programs—only the 25th percentile statewide, where the median is $33,234. Yet the most revealing number here is the 47% earnings jump to nearly $40,000 by year four, suggesting graduates find their footing after a slow start. That growth trajectory matters, but it doesn't erase the fact that even after four years, earnings remain roughly $7,000 below what Adams State or Metro State graduates earn right out of the gate.

The $22,000 debt load sits slightly below both state and national medians, making this financially manageable if you're realistic about those first few years. With an 81% debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates face nearly a full year's salary in loans initially—not disastrous, but tight. The open admissions model means this serves students who might not access Colorado's flagship programs, which is valuable context for families weighing options.

For families considering psychology at CSU Pueblo: expect a lean first year or two post-graduation, likely requiring additional support or careful budgeting. The earnings growth suggests degree value emerges over time rather than immediately. If your student can attend other Colorado programs at similar cost, the data favors starting somewhere with stronger initial earnings. But if this represents the most accessible path to a bachelor's degree, the debt level is reasonable enough to manage through that early-career period.

Where Colorado State University Pueblo Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Colorado State University PuebloOther psychology 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 $27k, placing them in the 17th percentile of all psychology 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

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (16 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Colorado State University Pueblo$27,133$39,892$22,0000.81
Adams State University$37,943—$22,7450.60
Metropolitan State University of Denver$37,702$40,886$24,5910.65
Colorado State University-Fort Collins$37,121$44,703$23,1470.62
Colorado Christian University$36,537$42,257$44,0881.21
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus$36,482$44,972$28,0000.77
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Colorado

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Adams State University
Alamosa
$9,776$37,943$22,745
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver
$10,780$37,702$24,591
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins
$12,896$37,121$23,147
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood
$39,266$36,537$44,088
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver
$10,017$36,482$28,000

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 53 graduates with reported earnings and 67 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.