Business Administration, Management and Operations at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

This Business Administration associate's program at Colorado Technical University delivers mixed results that should give parents pause. While graduates carry relatively manageable debt loads—less than most peers nationally—their earning potential significantly lags behind other Colorado options. At $32,525 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $7,500 less than the state median and rank in just the 25th percentile among Colorado business programs.

The debt picture tells a more encouraging story. With median debt of $26,625 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82, graduates aren't drowning in payments like many for-profit school attendees. The program also serves a predominantly lower-income population (68% receive Pell grants), suggesting it provides access to students who might otherwise lack college opportunities. However, when comparing to in-state alternatives, the value proposition weakens considerably—nearby Arapahoe Community College graduates earn over $16,000 more annually.

The bottom line: while this program won't saddle your child with crushing debt, it significantly underperforms other Colorado business programs in earning potential. Given that Colorado has strong community college options that cost less and deliver better outcomes, this program makes sense primarily for students who need the specific flexibility or support services that CTU provides, not for families prioritizing financial return on their education investment.