Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State offers Colorado's only bachelor's program in alternative and complementary medicine, and that monopoly doesn't translate to strong outcomes. Graduates earn $33,302 in their first year—slightly below the national median for this niche field—with barely any growth over the next three years. While that debt load of $27,452 looks reasonable compared to other programs nationally (which often carry $39,000+), it still means these graduates are starting with debt that equals nearly 10 months of their first-year salary.

The state percentile ranking of 60th is somewhat misleading since Metro State is the only Colorado school offering this program. More telling is the 40th percentile national ranking, placing it squarely in the bottom half of comparable programs nationwide. The real concern is the near-flat earnings trajectory: moving from $33,302 to just $34,261 over four years suggests limited career advancement potential in this field. With a 99% admission rate and accessible tuition, Metro State serves as an entry point for students interested in alternative medicine, but the career math is tight.

If your child is passionate about alternative health modalities, understand they'll likely need additional certifications, entrepreneurial hustle, or a pivot into adjacent healthcare fields to improve those earnings. The degree alone provides modest income that barely exceeds what many earn without a bachelor's at all.