Finance and Financial Management Services at University of Denver

University of Denver's finance program demonstrates exactly what aggressive earnings growth can mean for ROI. While graduates start at a respectable $56,402—just above both the national and Colorado medians—they jump to $84,578 by year four, a 50% increase that significantly outpaces typical career progression in this field. That trajectory turns what looks like a standard finance degree into something notably more valuable.

The debt picture reinforces this advantage. At $19,650, students graduate owing about $5,000 less than the typical Colorado finance major and roughly $4,000 below the national benchmark. Combined with that first-year salary, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of pre-tax earnings—an unusually clean financial position. Among Colorado's four finance programs, DU ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings, performing comparably to Metropolitan State while maintaining lower debt burdens.

The 71% admission rate means this outcome is reasonably accessible, though the $1344 average SAT suggests students here arrive academically prepared. For parents evaluating Denver's private school premium, the key question is whether the strong alumni network and career placement justify higher living costs versus the in-state public option. The earnings data suggests DU graduates are competing effectively for higher-trajectory positions, making this a solid choice for students who can manage the Denver cost of living during school.