Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State's Ethnic Studies program lands its graduates above the national median but trails most Colorado competitors—a puzzling outcome given that these programs typically vary more by student background than by institution. With first-year earnings of $34,906, graduates earn about 10% more than their counterparts nationally but roughly $1,400 less than the Colorado median. That gap matters when you're deciding between in-state options.

The debt picture, however, stands out favorably. At $31,966, students here graduate with significantly less debt than the national average, putting this program in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs nationwide saddle students with more debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92 is manageable, particularly compared to programs where borrowing exceeds first-year income.

Here's the critical caveat: this data represents fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances heavily influence these averages. A single graduate taking a fellowship or continuing to grad school could shift these numbers substantially. For families considering this program, the real value proposition depends on whether your child plans to pursue graduate education (common in this field) or enter the workforce immediately. The relatively accessible admissions and strong Pell Grant representation suggest Metropolitan State serves students well on affordability, but if your child has options at CU Denver or other Colorado schools, compare total costs carefully before deciding.