Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

The University of Colorado Denver's nursing program shows a troubling pattern: graduates start strong with $75,503 in first-year earnings but see their income drop to $68,051 by year four—a 10% decline that runs counter to typical career progression. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Colorado nursing programs, this advantage erodes quickly, and several in-state competitors like Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs consistently deliver higher earnings.

The financial picture offers some relief with relatively modest debt of $30,500, well below both national and state medians. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, meaning graduates can reasonably handle their loan payments in those crucial early years. However, the earnings decline raises questions about career trajectory and whether graduates are positioned for long-term advancement in nursing leadership or specialized roles.

For parents weighing options, this program represents a middle-tier choice in Colorado's nursing landscape. The lower debt load provides financial breathing room, but the concerning earnings trend suggests looking closely at programs like Colorado Technical or Metropolitan State that maintain stronger earning power over time. If your child is committed to CU Denver for other reasons, ensure they understand the importance of pursuing additional certifications or specializations to counter the apparent earnings plateau.