Mathematics at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

With just $27,000 in debt and starting earnings above $52,000, UC Denver's math program delivers one of the cleanest debt-to-earnings pictures you'll find—the 0.51 ratio ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for borrowing, meaning 95% of comparable programs leave students with heavier debt loads. Among Colorado's 17 math programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, outpacing larger flagships like CU Boulder and UC Colorado Springs while maintaining exceptionally low debt. The 29% earnings growth to nearly $68,000 by year four suggests graduates are finding solid career traction, likely in data analysis, software, or technical roles concentrated in Denver's growing tech sector.

The caveat matters here: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than at larger programs. Still, the fundamentals are strong—moderate debt combined with above-average earnings creates meaningful financial flexibility early in graduates' careers. For Colorado families especially, where in-state tuition keeps costs manageable, this represents a straightforward value proposition without the premium price tag of some alternatives.

If your student is comfortable at a less selective, urban campus and plans to stay in the Denver area for work, this program offers a practical path into quantitative careers without the debt burden that often derails early financial goals. The numbers justify confidence, even accounting for the limited sample size.