Nutrition Sciences at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Metropolitan State's Nutrition Sciences program stands out nationally but faces stiffer competition closer to home. Graduates earn $37,213 initially, placing them in the 93rd percentile among nutrition programs nationwide—a significant premium over the national median of $30,508. However, in Colorado's small field of three programs, MSU Denver sits in the middle at the 60th percentile, trailing University of Northern Colorado by about $2,000 annually.
The financial picture is surprisingly favorable for an open-admission institution. With debt of $26,750 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, graduates face manageable repayment—especially considering the strong earnings growth of 22% by year four, reaching $45,546. The debt burden sits in the 17th percentile nationally, meaning 83% of similar programs leave students with more debt. For families concerned about accessibility and affordability, this combination of open admission and controlled debt is noteworthy.
The tradeoff here is straightforward: your child won't get the highest-earning nutrition science degree in Colorado, but they'll likely get in, graduate with reasonable debt, and earn well above what most nutrition graduates make nationally. For students who need flexibility or didn't have strong high school performance, this represents solid value in a field where many programs deliver far weaker outcomes.
Where Metropolitan State University of Denver Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all nutrition sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates compare to all programs nationally
Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 93th percentile of all nutrition sciences bachelors programs nationally.
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
Nutrition Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | $37,213 | $45,546 | $26,750 | 0.72 |
| University of Northern Colorado | $39,258 | $40,333 | $25,346 | 0.65 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $32,785 | — | $24,750 | 0.75 |
| National Median | $30,508 | — | $24,020 | 0.79 |
Other Nutrition Sciences Programs in Colorado
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Northern Colorado Greeley | $12,010 | $39,258 | $25,346 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins | $12,896 | $32,785 | $24,750 |
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 Metropolitan State University of Denver, approximately 35% 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 74 graduates with reported earnings and 97 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.