Computer and Information Sciences at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

At $75,137 in first-year earnings, UC Denver's computer science program significantly outperforms the national average for this degree by nearly $14,000, placing it in the 83rd percentile nationally. That's a meaningful premium, especially considering the school's 78% admission rate makes it accessible to a broad range of students. Within Colorado, the program ranks solidly in the middle of the pack—beating more affordable options like Colorado Mesa but trailing Colorado State Fort Collins by a few thousand. The moderate $21,000 debt load gives students one of the better debt situations in the state and creates an exceptionally healthy debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.28.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to $81,271 by year four, which is typical for computer science graduates as they gain experience and specialize. This isn't explosive growth, but it's reliable progression in a field where the entry salary is already strong enough to comfortably service debt and build savings. The combination of above-average starting pay and below-average debt makes the financial fundamentals work well.

For families looking at Colorado tech programs, UC Denver offers competitive outcomes without the admissions stress of more selective schools. The program delivers earnings comparable to Colorado Christian University while costing students substantially less in debt, making it a practical choice for students who want strong tech career prospects without betting everything on admission to Colorado State's flagship campus.