Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 40.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.5%
- Retention Rate
- 75.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $45,823
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $233/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $63,997 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,746 | $22,250 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,485 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $58,673 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,644 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $22,080 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $21,300 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $43,240 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $20,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $41,565 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $41,025 | |
| Education, General. | Certificate | $40,467 |
Outcomes Overview
Colorado Mesa graduates earn a median of $45,823 ten years after graduation, which puts their debt-to-earnings ratio at a reasonable 48%. With monthly loan payments of $233, graduates spend about 6% of their gross monthly income on student loans. The 97.1% employment rate shows most graduates find work, though many stay in western Colorado's smaller job market focused on healthcare, energy, and outdoor recreation industries. Colorado's growing economy helps, but the 41.5% six-year graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees. For those who do graduate, the combination of moderate debt ($22,000 median) and solid regional employment opportunities creates an average return on investment.