Mechanical Engineering at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

University of Colorado Denver's mechanical engineering program outperforms most Colorado schools while keeping debt remarkably low. At $87,148 four years out, graduates earn more than those from CU Boulder and Colorado State, landing this program in the 60th percentile statewide—a solid middle position in a state dominated by the prestigious Colorado School of Mines. The $30,907 median debt sits in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of mechanical engineering programs saddle students with more debt.

That debt picture matters enormously here. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, graduates owe roughly five months of their first-year salary—manageable by any standard. The 23% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are advancing into better roles, not just treading water. While this won't match the earning power of Mines graduates, it delivers similar outcomes to UCCS at a lower debt burden and beats the flagship Boulder campus on both earnings and debt.

For families seeking solid mechanical engineering prospects without breaking the bank, CU Denver threads an appealing needle. The 78% admission rate makes it accessible, and the debt load won't haunt graduates for decades. This is what a practical engineering investment looks like—good earnings trajectory, minimal financial burden, and credentials that open doors in Colorado's aerospace and energy sectors.