Architectural Sciences and Technology at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

UCD's Architectural Sciences program lands squarely in the middle of Colorado options—literally, as it's the only program in the state—but it trails the national median by about $5,300 in first-year earnings. With graduates earning $43,953 and carrying $24,150 in debt, the 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, though starting salaries place this program in just the 22nd percentile nationally. The $24,150 debt load is actually below the national median of $27,000, which helps offset the earnings gap.

The practical question is whether these numbers work for your family. Architecture-related fields typically see salary growth as graduates gain licensure and experience, so the first-year figure understates long-term potential. However, you're paying similar tuition for below-average starting outcomes compared to programs at other universities. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests reliable data, and UCD's 78% admission rate means accessibility isn't a barrier.

For in-state students getting resident tuition, this becomes more defensible—especially if your child is already committed to architecture and wants to stay in Colorado. Out-of-state families should ask whether the premium tuition justifies outcomes that lag behind three-quarters of comparable programs nationwide. The debt is reasonable, but the earnings gap matters when you're building a career in a competitive field.