Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

UC Denver's business program delivers solid national performance but falls short within Colorado's competitive landscape. While graduates earn more than the national median ($52,428 vs. $45,703) and rank in the 74th percentile nationally, they land in just the 40th percentile among Colorado programs—meaning 60% of business programs in the state produce higher-earning graduates.

The debt picture offers some relief, with graduates owing $23,000 compared to the $26,000 national average. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, and the 19% earnings growth over four years shows graduates can expect meaningful salary progression. However, when you consider that top Colorado programs like CSU Global ($69,863) and Regis ($60,101) produce significantly higher early-career earnings, the opportunity cost becomes apparent.

For families prioritizing affordability and decent outcomes, UC Denver represents a reasonable choice—graduates aren't drowning in debt and earn respectable salaries. But if your child can access more selective programs within Colorado's system, the earnings gap suggests they might be leaving significant long-term earning potential on the table. The 78% admission rate makes this an accessible backup option, but probably not the first choice for maximizing return on investment.