Economics at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

With a sample size under 30 graduates, these numbers demand caution, but the trajectory here is encouraging. UC Denver economics grads start at $56,201—outperforming both the state median of $51,521 and the national median of $51,722. Among Colorado's 13 economics programs, this lands in the 60th percentile, trailing only Colorado College and Western Colorado while beating flagship Boulder. The $23,049 median debt sits right at Colorado's program average, yielding a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The 17% earnings bump from year one to year four suggests these graduates are building marketable skills, not just landing entry-level positions. That growth rate matters for a degree from an accessible institution (78% acceptance rate) that serves a substantial working-class population. The combination of above-average starting pay and solid earnings progression indicates employers value what UC Denver economics students bring to the table.

The small sample size is the real wildcard here—one or two high earners could skew these figures significantly. But if these numbers hold across larger cohorts, this program delivers competitive value at a manageable debt load, particularly for Colorado residents who'll pay in-state tuition. For families seeking an economics degree without Boulder's competition or Colorado College's price tag, this merits serious consideration.