Business, Management, Marketing, at University of Denver

Business programs nationwide typically launch graduates at around $51,000 in first-year earnings, and University of Denver's program appears positioned right at this mark based on peer institutions. With an estimated debt load of $26,500, graduates would face manageable monthly payments of roughly $300—about 7% of gross monthly income. This falls well within financial aid advisors' comfort zone and suggests students can service this debt without severely constraining their early-career choices.

What makes this picture cloudier is Denver's cost of living. That $51,000 salary stretches differently in Colorado's Front Range than it would in many markets where business majors land jobs. The school's 15% Pell grant rate signals it primarily serves students from families with resources, which may matter when considering how much parental support might cushion the transition to financial independence. The 71% admission rate and strong SAT scores (1344 average) indicate DU attracts solid students who could likely access similar business programs at lower cost elsewhere in Colorado or beyond.

The fundamental challenge here is uncertainty. These estimates come from comparable programs nationally because DU's specific outcomes aren't reported—either due to small class sizes or other data limitations. For a family considering a significant financial commitment, you're essentially betting that DU's actual outcomes mirror the national median rather than falling below it. Given the relatively high cost for what appears to be a standard business outcome, this program works best for families who can afford it comfortably without borrowing heavily.