Sociology at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

University of Colorado Denver's sociology program charges premium debt ($31,000) for middle-of-the-pack outcomes within Colorado. While first-year earnings of $40,011 rank impressively at the 91st percentile nationally, they land at just the 60th percentile among Colorado's 14 sociology programs—meaning five in-state alternatives deliver better returns. Adams State, Western Colorado, and Metropolitan State all produce graduates earning $2,000-$7,000 more annually while typically carrying less debt.

The debt burden here is where parents should focus their concern. At $31,000, graduates owe 38% more than Colorado's typical sociology major and 24% more than the national median. That's a real difference: an extra $65/month in loan payments over ten years. The strong 23% earnings growth to $49,161 by year four helps, but Colorado State-Boulder delivers similar four-year outcomes without the debt premium. The 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable but not competitive when neighboring programs offer better.

For families paying in-state tuition rates, this program's value proposition doesn't hold up against its state-level competition. Unless UC Denver offers specific research opportunities or faculty connections crucial to your child's goals, the combination of above-average debt and middle-tier state outcomes suggests looking at Metropolitan State or CU Boulder for stronger financial positioning with similar career prospects.