Est. Earnings (1yr)
$80,513
Est. from CO median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (48 programs)

Analysis

Colorado's electrical engineering programs cluster tightly in earning power, with first-year salaries typically ranging from $78,000 to $89,000. University of Denver's estimated $80,500 based on five peer programs in the state puts it squarely in the middle of this pack—well above the national median but trailing CU Boulder's $89,000 by a noticeable margin. The estimated $26,000 debt burden is modest for engineering, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 that suggests graduates could realistically pay off loans within a year or two while maintaining a decent standard of living.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With too few DU graduates in this program to generate reliable data, these figures rest entirely on what similar Colorado engineering programs produce. That's a reasonable proxy given how tightly grouped state outcomes are, but parents should recognize they're betting on DU matching the state average rather than banking on school-specific evidence. Given DU's 71% acceptance rate and strong SAT scores, the institution draws capable students who should compete well in Colorado's aerospace and tech job markets—but whether this particular program delivers on that potential remains unverified. The estimated numbers suggest solid value, but you're making that investment call with less certainty than you'd have at schools with published outcomes.

Where University of Denver Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of DenverDenver$59,340$80,513*$26,000*
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder$16,430$88,957*$91,412$20,414*0.23
Colorado School of MinesGolden$21,186$80,815*$93,671$22,000*0.27
University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs$9,712$80,513*$86,483$25,324*0.31
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver$10,017$78,878*$86,977$34,500*0.44
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins$12,896$78,038*$88,740$25,900*0.33
National Median$77,710*$24,989*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Denver, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.