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

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (12 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fort Lewis College$34,091
Colorado Mesa University$42,136$40,844$25,9700.62
Adams State University$39,546$39,802$24,8790.63
Colorado State University Pueblo$38,502$39,070$25,7500.67
Colorado State University-Fort Collins$34,540$44,239$25,0000.72
National Median$36,340$27,0000.74

Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in Colorado

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction
$9,712$42,136$25,970
Adams State University
Alamosa
$9,776$39,546$24,879
Colorado State University Pueblo
Pueblo
$9,401$38,502$25,750
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins
$12,896$34,540$25,000

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 Fort Lewis College, approximately 36% 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.