Analysis
Colorado State Pueblo's social work program charges more than typical while delivering below-average results within Colorado. Though graduates earn slightly above the national median at $39,742, they trail the state median by roughly $1,200 and sit in just the 40th percentile among Colorado's five social work programs. Metropolitan State and Colorado Mesa both produce graduates earning $2,000-4,000 more annually while charging similar or lower debt loads.
The $28,785 median debt is relatively manageable—keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.72—but that's where the good news ends. Earnings growth over four years barely outpaces inflation at 6%, and starting in the high $30,000s makes loan repayment a long haul even with reasonable debt. For a field known for modest pay, every thousand dollars in starting salary matters significantly for long-term financial security.
If your child is committed to social work and Colorado residency, this program gets them credentialed but doesn't maximize their earning potential. The stronger in-state alternatives at Metro State and Colorado Mesa suggest you can find better value without leaving Colorado. The 100% admission rate means access isn't the issue—outcomes are.
Where Colorado State University Pueblo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work 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 | $39,742 | $41,939 | +6% |
| New York University | $26,837 | $64,289 | +140% |
| University of Nevada-Reno | $40,530 | $63,320 | +56% |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | $44,015 | $50,031 | +14% |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $38,134 | $45,631 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Colorado State University PuebloPueblo | $9,401 | $39,742 | $41,939 | $28,785 | 0.72 |
 Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver | $10,780 | $44,015 | $50,031 | $29,578 | 0.67 |
 Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction | $9,712 | $42,254 | — | $25,000 | 0.59 |
 Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins | $12,896 | $38,134 | $45,631 | $23,387 | 0.61 |
| National Median | — | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 74 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.