Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Denver

Similar business programs in Colorado suggest first-year earnings around $53,000 for this degree—solidly above the national median but trailing several in-state competitors. While the University of Denver carries a prestigious reputation (reflected in its selective admission profile), graduates from Colorado State Global and CU Boulder report significantly higher starting salaries in this field, raising questions about whether DU's premium price tag translates to premium outcomes for business majors.

The estimated debt of roughly $27,000 keeps the financial risk moderate, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 that's manageable by most standards. This is slightly above Colorado's typical debt load for business programs but far from crushing. For a private university with DU's profile, this level of borrowing actually suggests reasonable restraint compared to many peer institutions.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With no reported outcomes for DU's specific program, you're essentially betting that your child will match the state average rather than fall below it—or that they'll benefit from DU's network and resources in ways the numbers don't capture. If they're drawn to DU for specific reasons beyond the business degree itself (location, campus culture, particular professors), that $27,000 investment is defensible. But if you're choosing DU primarily for business outcomes, demand concrete answers from admissions about job placement rates and employer relationships before committing.