Analysis
Colorado State University Pueblo's sociology program punches above its weight nationally but sits in the middle of Colorado's pack—a pattern that matters more than the rankings suggest. Graduates earn $37,389 initially, climbing to $47,208 within four years. That 26% earnings growth outpaces most sociology programs and lands the program in the 76th percentile nationally. However, among Colorado's 14 sociology programs, it ranks at the 40th percentile, trailing competitors like Adams State ($46,948) and Western Colorado ($43,178).
The financial fundamentals work in students' favor. With $23,000 in median debt—matching Colorado's state median and below the national average—graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62. First-year earnings cover the debt burden comfortably, and by year four, graduates are earning more than twice their debt load. The program's open admissions and modest average SAT scores (1005) suggest accessibility rather than selectivity, yet outcomes remain competitive.
For Colorado families, this represents solid but not exceptional value. If you're comparing in-state options and location flexibility matters, stronger-earning programs exist elsewhere in Colorado. But if Pueblo's location works for your family and your student needs an accessible entry point, the combination of reasonable debt and steady earnings growth makes this a defensible choice—just recognize you're trading geographic convenience for somewhat lower earnings potential compared to other state options.
Where Colorado State University Pueblo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology 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 | $37,389 | $47,208 | +26% |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | $42,022 | $52,565 | +25% |
| University of Colorado Boulder | $37,958 | $51,246 | +35% |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $37,335 | $49,842 | +33% |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $40,011 | $49,161 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,401 | $37,389 | $47,208 | $23,000 | 0.62 | |
| $9,776 | $46,948 | — | $29,441 | 0.63 | |
| $11,083 | $43,178 | $37,385 | — | — | |
| $10,780 | $42,022 | $52,565 | $26,000 | 0.62 | |
| $10,017 | $40,011 | $49,161 | $31,000 | 0.77 | |
| $16,430 | $37,958 | $51,246 | $17,819 | 0.47 | |
| National Median | — | $34,102 | — | $25,000 | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with sociology graduates
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Operations Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site 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 79 graduates with reported earnings and 91 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.