Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

UC Denver's electrical engineering program charges more than you'd expect while delivering salaries that lag behind most Colorado competitors. With $34,500 in median debt—significantly higher than both the state median of $25,324 and national average of $24,989—graduates here take on 35% more debt than typical engineering students. That's concerning when first-year earnings of $78,878 trail the state median by nearly $2,000 and rank in just the 40th percentile among Colorado's eight electrical engineering programs.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 is manageable, and graduates do see steady income growth to $87,000 by year four. However, compare this trajectory to what you'd get at CU Boulder (starting at $89,000) or Colorado School of Mines ($81,000), both of which offer better value propositions. Even CU Colorado Springs matches the state median while likely charging similar in-state tuition.

For Colorado families, this program represents a serviceable but not exceptional option. The relatively high debt load combined with below-median state earnings suggests you're not getting the best return available within the state system. If your child has the academic credentials for Boulder or Mines, those investments would likely pay off more quickly.