Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,099
72nd percentile
Median Debt
$23,875
11% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.61
Manageable
Sample Size
83
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Northern Colorado graduates in health sciences earn above both state and national medians right out of the gate, placing in the 72nd percentile nationally—a solid outcome for a program at a school with an 86% admission rate. At $39,099 in year one, these graduates outpace the typical Colorado health sciences grad by about $3,300 annually. They're also earning $6,700 more than their counterparts at UC Colorado Springs, the only other comparable program in the state. By year four, earnings grow to $43,800, representing modest but steady 12% growth.

The debt picture is manageable, with graduates carrying $23,875—slightly below Colorado's median and resulting in a 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means borrowers could reasonably pay off their loans in under two years if they committed their full salary, or more realistically, handle payments comfortably on a standard repayment plan. For a broad health sciences degree that can lead to various allied health careers, this represents a reasonable financial foundation.

For families considering this program, UNC offers better-than-average outcomes in a field with steady demand. The combination of lower-than-typical debt and higher-than-typical earnings makes this a practical choice, particularly for Colorado residents seeking an accessible path into healthcare careers without the pressure of nursing school or the debt load of private universities.

Where University of Northern Colorado Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors's programs nationally

University of Northern ColoradoOther health services/allied health/health sciences programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Northern Colorado graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Northern Colorado graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 72th percentile of all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (2 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Northern Colorado$39,099$43,800$23,8750.61
University of Colorado Colorado Springs$32,393$54,388$23,7500.73
National Median$35,279—$26,6900.76

Other Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Programs in Colorado

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs
$9,712$32,393$23,750

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 Northern Colorado, approximately 26% 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 83 graduates with reported earnings and 106 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.