Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Colorado Colorado Springs

UCCS electrical engineering graduates start at $80,513—solidly above the national median and matching Colorado's typical outcome for this degree. The debt burden of $25,324 translates to a manageable 0.31 ratio, meaning new graduates earn roughly three times what they owe. Among Colorado's eight programs, UCCS sits right at the state median, trailing Colorado School of Mines and CU Boulder by roughly $8,000 but outpacing CSU Fort Collins.

The 97% admission rate signals an open-access approach that contrasts sharply with elite engineering schools, yet the program delivers competitive results. Graduates see steady 7% earnings growth over four years, reaching $86,483—a trajectory that suggests the degree opens doors to stable engineering careers. The moderate sample size means these numbers reflect real but limited graduate outcomes.

For parents concerned about engineering ROI, UCCS offers a straightforward value proposition: decent starting salaries with minimal debt, particularly appealing for students who need the flexibility of UCCS's location and accessibility. You're not paying for prestige here, but you're getting earnings that justify the investment from day one. If your student can handle the coursework, this program delivers middle-of-the-pack Colorado engineering outcomes without the competitive admission hurdles or debt loads that often come with them.