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
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 | $27,133 | $39,892 | +47% |
| University of Colorado Boulder | $30,176 | $51,637 | +71% |
| University of Denver | $31,955 | $49,697 | +56% |
| Western Colorado University | $32,352 | $46,875 | +45% |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $36,482 | $44,972 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,401 | $27,133 | $39,892 | $22,000 | 0.81 | |
| $9,776 | $37,943 | — | $22,745 | 0.60 | |
| $10,780 | $37,702 | $40,886 | $24,591 | 0.65 | |
| $12,896 | $37,121 | $44,703 | $23,147 | 0.62 | |
| $39,266 | $36,537 | $42,257 | $44,088 | 1.21 | |
| $10,017 | $36,482 | $44,972 | $28,000 | 0.77 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.