International/Global Studies at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

The first year after graduation looks rough—$25,307 puts this program in just the 5th percentile nationally for International/Global Studies—but the trajectory tells a different story. By year four, earnings jump 53% to $38,802, which lands near the national 75th percentile for this field. That kind of growth suggests graduates are finding their footing after what appears to be a tough initial job market entry, possibly with unpaid internships or entry-level nonprofit positions.

Within Colorado, this program sits at the 40th percentile, trailing CU Boulder's $33,892 median but roughly matching CSU Fort Collins. The debt load of $24,618 is manageable relative to that year-four earning power, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that's workable once graduates gain some experience. Still, families need to account for those lean first years—that initial $25,000 salary in Denver is a tight squeeze, even with roommates.

The practical calculation: Can your child handle 1-2 years of financial struggle while building experience? If they have family support to bridge that gap or can line up a solid job before graduation, the eventual earnings trajectory justifies the investment. But if they're counting on immediate financial independence, the early earnings here create real risk.