Mechanical Engineering at University of Colorado Boulder
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How University of Colorado Boulder graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn $85k, placing them in the 22th percentile of all mechanical engineering masters 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
Mechanical Engineering masters's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Boulder | $84,620 | $92,952 | — | — |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $93,386 | — | — | — |
| Colorado School of Mines | $89,093 | $100,434 | — | — |
| National Median | $92,510 | — | — | — |
Other Mechanical Engineering Programs in Colorado
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins | $12,896 | $93,386 | — |
| Colorado School of Mines Golden | $21,186 | $89,093 | — |
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 University of Colorado Boulder, approximately 15% 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.