Median Earnings (1yr)
$58,811
69th percentile
60th percentile in Colorado
Median Debt
$33,668
35% above national median

Analysis

Regis University's accounting program sits comfortably above both national and Colorado medians, with graduates earning $58,811 in their first year—roughly $5,000 more than typical accounting graduates nationwide and in-state. Among Colorado's ten accounting programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only University of Denver and Colorado State University Global. The steady earnings trajectory to $65,506 by year four suggests graduates are building stable accounting careers rather than hitting early ceilings.

The debt picture is where Regis truly distinguishes itself. At $33,668, graduates carry debt levels identical to the Colorado median but $8,000 more than the national benchmark. However, the 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable—graduates earn nearly twice what they owe. This is particularly relevant in Denver's competitive job market, where accounting roles are plentiful and the higher starting salaries quickly offset the additional borrowing.

For families weighing Regis against cheaper in-state options like Metro State or Colorado State Pueblo, the $4,000-5,000 salary premium justifies the investment, especially given Regis's relatively accessible 87% admission rate. The moderate sample size provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes. This program delivers solid value for students seeking accounting credentials with stronger-than-average earning potential in Colorado's Front Range economy.

Where Regis University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Regis University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Regis University$58,811$65,506+11%
University of Denver$67,392$80,927+20%
Colorado State University Global$61,648$65,218+6%
Metropolitan State University of Denver$54,030$64,453+19%
Colorado Mesa University$52,198$60,715+16%

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (10 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Regis UniversityDenver$43,980$58,811$65,506$33,6680.57
University of DenverDenver$59,340$67,392$80,927$21,2880.32
Colorado State University GlobalDenver$8,400$61,648$65,218$34,1670.55
Colorado State University PuebloPueblo$9,401$54,213$51,976
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver$10,780$54,030$64,453$26,3200.49
Colorado Christian UniversityLakewood$39,266$53,756$54,988$41,8480.78
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Regis University, approximately 26% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.