Public Health at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

With only three public health programs in Colorado, this market offers a clear value hierarchy: Colorado State leads at $53K, UC Denver sits in the middle at $41K, and Fort Lewis trails at $37K. UC Denver graduates earn roughly 8% above the national median for public health degrees, and their debt load of $23,400 comes in below both state and national averages—resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio that should be paid off within three years under standard repayment plans.

The trajectory here is steady rather than spectacular. Graduates see modest 7% earnings growth between years one and four, reaching $43,185. That's solid for a field known more for mission-driven work than high salaries, but it also means your child likely won't see dramatic income jumps early in their career. The moderate sample size adds some uncertainty, though with 26% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves working-class families without burdening them with outsized debt.

For families considering UC Denver's urban Denver location and its connection to the Anschutz Medical Campus, this represents a reasonable investment—particularly if your child is committed to public health work and wants to stay in Colorado. Just understand that "reasonable" means middle-of-the-pack performance in a field where passion often matters more than paychecks.