Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,480
53rd percentile (60th in CO)
Median Debt
$28,495
26% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.88
Manageable
Sample Size
29
Limited data

Analysis

UCCS's Philosophy program is a decent choice for Colorado students, though the small graduating class (under 30) means these numbers could shift significantly. Graduates earn slightly above the national median and sit at the 60th percentile among Colorado philosophy programs—solidly middle-of-the-pack in a state where this degree ranges from $27,810 at CSU Fort Collins to $36,307 at CU Denver.

The debt picture is notably favorable: at $28,495, students here borrow less than most philosophy majors nationwide (5th percentile for debt), creating a manageable 0.88 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one. Starting salaries around $32,480 aren't high in absolute terms, but that's typical for philosophy—this field rarely delivers immediate financial returns. The 12% earnings growth to $36,436 by year four suggests graduates are finding their footing, though career trajectories for philosophy majors vary wildly depending on whether they pursue graduate school, law, business, or other paths.

The real question isn't whether this program offers good value—it does, particularly given the modest debt—but whether your child has a concrete plan for what comes after. Philosophy majors who leverage the degree strategically (law school, MBA, tech sector roles) often do well long-term, but those who graduate without direction can struggle. The accessible admission rate means your child can likely get in; the challenge is ensuring they get out with marketable skills or a clear next step.

Where University of Colorado Colorado Springs Stands

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

University of Colorado Colorado SpringsOther philosophy programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all philosophy bachelors 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

Philosophy bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (12 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Colorado Colorado Springs$32,480$36,436$28,4950.88
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus$36,307—$31,0000.85
Colorado State University-Fort Collins$27,810—$18,8940.68
National Median$31,652—$22,6410.72

Other Philosophy Programs in Colorado

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver
$10,017$36,307$31,000
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins
$12,896$27,810$18,894

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 Colorado Springs, 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.