Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,759
Est. from CO median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,625
Est. from national median (223 programs)

Analysis

Colorado political science programs show significant variation in outcomes, and while Regis University's actual graduate data remains unreported, similar programs in the state suggest median earnings around $37,750 in the first year—just above the national benchmark but trailing the state's top performers by several thousand dollars. Programs at CU Boulder, CU Denver, and Metro State all produce graduates earning $39,000-$40,000, which matters when you're considering where to invest four years and substantial tuition dollars.

The estimated debt load of $24,625 sits above Colorado's typical political science debt of $20,600, though the 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable by conventional standards. That ratio means roughly eight months of gross income would theoretically cover the entire debt—not ideal, but workable for graduates who secure steady employment. The challenge with political science degrees generally is that first-year earnings often represent a ceiling rather than a floor, as many graduates enter fields where advancement requires graduate education or years of experience building specialized expertise.

Given Regis's 87% admission rate and these estimated figures, parents should understand they're looking at a program that may deliver average outcomes at above-average debt levels compared to state peers. If your student is set on political science, programs at CU Boulder or Metro State appear to produce stronger early earnings with lower debt burdens. Without actual Regis graduate data, the safest assumption is that outcomes will track close to the state median—solid enough for graduates with clear career plans, but not a standout value proposition.

Where Regis University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Regis UniversityDenver$43,980$37,759*$24,625*
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver$10,017$40,272*$58,929$21,066*0.52
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder$16,430$39,954*$60,121$19,500*0.49
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver$10,780$39,920*$44,120$23,500*0.59
University of DenverDenver$59,340$38,059*$57,491$22,000*0.58
University of Northern ColoradoGreeley$12,010$37,458*$45,185$20,250*0.54
National Median$35,627*$23,500*0.66
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

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.

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 median of 8 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.