Location: Denver, CO•In-State Tuition: $10,780•Out-of-State Tuition: $29,503•Admission Rate: 99%•Avg SAT: 1014
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,806
Est. from national median (42 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,250
Est. from national median (16 programs)

Analysis

Marketing programs in Colorado can be hit-or-miss, and with Metropolitan State being the only school in the state offering this specialized bachelor's in sales and merchandising, you're navigating without much local comparison data. Based on similar programs nationally, graduates typically start around $35,800—a figure that barely edges above what many general business majors earn with far more career flexibility. The estimated $25,250 in debt translates to a 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio, which sits in reasonable territory but offers little cushion for someone entering sales on a modest salary.

The real question is whether this degree's specialized focus on merchandising and marketing operations opens doors that a broader business or marketing degree wouldn't. Sales careers often reward hustle and networking more than credentials, and starting salaries in this range suggest the degree alone won't command premium offers. Metro State's 99% admission rate and accessible tuition may keep costs manageable, but that first-year salary leaves limited room for aggressive loan repayment or building savings.

Given the lack of actual outcomes data for this specific program and the absence of comparable Colorado programs to benchmark against, you're essentially betting on national patterns holding true. If your child is passionate about retail merchandising or has connections in the industry, this could work—but make sure they understand they'll need to hustle beyond the classroom to justify the investment.

Where Metropolitan State University of Denver Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations bachelors's programs nationally

Metropolitan State University of Denver (estimated ±10%)Other specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver$10,780$35,806*—$25,250*—
Northwood UniversityMidland$33,000$64,100*$65,717$27,000*0.42
Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia$51,340$56,794*$71,451$26,500*0.47
Immaculata UniversityImmaculata$28,550$47,289*—$27,000*0.57
Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie$46,140$47,137*$68,549$25,000*0.53
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$46,695*$52,921$26,750*0.57
National Median—$35,806*—$26,750*0.75
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations graduates

Marketing Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

$159,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Models

Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.

$89,990/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.

$78,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Search Marketing Strategists

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Travel Agents

Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

$48,450/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Parts Salespersons

Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.

$34,730/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers

Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 42 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.