Analysis
University of Denver's mechanical engineering graduates start nearly $6,000 below the national median, earning $65,014 in their first year compared to $70,744 nationally. While this places them in just the 18th percentile nationwide, the Colorado context offers some relief—they're roughly at the state median and ahead of larger programs like CU Boulder and Colorado State. Still, for a private university charging premium tuition, trailing Colorado School of Mines by $9,000 and even CU Denver by $6,000 raises questions about value.
The debt picture is reasonable at $26,248—slightly above national and state averages but manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40. Earnings do grow 21% to $78,459 by year four, which is solid progression. However, that still leaves graduates earning less than what many competing Colorado programs deliver right out of the gate.
For families paying private school prices, this program delivers middle-of-the-pack results in a state with strong public alternatives. Unless Denver's urban location or smaller class sizes matter significantly to your child, the higher cost of attendance here makes it hard to justify over Colorado's public engineering schools that produce similar or better outcomes at lower sticker prices.
Where University of Denver Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Denver graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Denver | $65,014 | $78,459 | +21% |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $70,763 | $87,148 | +23% |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $60,720 | $83,877 | +38% |
| Colorado School of Mines | $74,145 | $83,162 | +12% |
| University of Colorado Boulder | $66,089 | $82,040 | +24% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of DenverDenver | $59,340 | $65,014 | $78,459 | $26,248 | 0.40 |
 Colorado School of MinesGolden | $21,186 | $74,145 | $83,162 | $25,000 | 0.34 |
 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver | $10,017 | $70,763 | $87,148 | $30,907 | 0.44 |
 University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs | $9,712 | $70,440 | $70,270 | $23,250 | 0.33 |
 University of Colorado BoulderBoulder | $16,430 | $66,089 | $82,040 | $20,500 | 0.31 |
 Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins | $12,896 | $60,720 | $83,877 | $26,184 | 0.43 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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.
Sample Size: Based on 33 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.