Business/Managerial Economics at University of Denver

A $24,000 debt estimate against first-year earnings around $53,000 suggests a manageable financial path, though both figures come from comparable programs rather than Denver's actual graduate outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 falls comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold, meaning estimated monthly loan payments would represent a reasonable share of early-career income for business economics graduates.

What complicates the picture is University of Denver's premium positioning—a 1344 average SAT and selective student body—combined with earnings estimates that mirror the national median exactly. Similar programs across the country typically produce $53,000 first-year salaries, which is solid but not exceptional for a business degree. Colorado State Pueblo, the only in-state comparison with actual data, reports $48,000 for their graduates, suggesting Denver might match or exceed that figure given its stronger student profile. However, without confirmed outcomes from Denver itself, you're essentially betting on the school's reputation translating into better-than-average placement.

The relatively low Pell grant percentage (15%) indicates Denver attracts students from higher-income families who may have additional financial resources beyond federal loans. If your family can afford Denver's total cost of attendance without excessive private borrowing beyond the $24,000 estimate, this program likely offers reasonable value. But if achieving that debt level requires significant family contribution or sacrifices, recognize you're making that investment based on projections, not proven outcomes from this specific program.