Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 29.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.6%
- Retention Rate
- 55.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $44,372
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $24,950 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $47,260 | $31,166 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,861 | $50,683 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,126 | $24,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $34,603 | $19,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $18,340 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $28,019 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,019 | $17,125 |
Outcomes Overview
Adams State graduates earn a median salary of $44,372 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 44% with typical debt loads of $19,500. Monthly loan payments of $207 consume about 5.6% of gross income, which sits below the recommended 10% threshold. The university serves a heavily first-generation student population in the San Luis Valley, with many graduates entering education, social services, and public administration roles that prioritize community impact over high salaries. The 94.8% employment rate shows graduates find work consistently. While earnings lag behind national averages for college graduates, the manageable debt burden and stable job placement create an average return on investment for students seeking affordable access to higher education.