At $15,331/yr net price, Colorado Mesa University graduates earn $45,823/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,823/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,331 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,324 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,823/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,823/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,547/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,755/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,061/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,182/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,288/yr |
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 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $21,300 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $22,080 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,798 |
The Risk Factor
41.5% of students at Colorado Mesa University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Colorado Mesa University delivers mixed financial returns with significant variation by major. The $15,331 annual net price creates reasonable debt loads, but the 41% graduation rate means many students pay without finishing their degrees.
Construction engineering technology and nursing programs justify the investment with starting salaries reaching $60,000 to $64,000. These technical programs align well with western Colorado's growing healthcare and infrastructure needs. Business administration also produces solid returns at $54,644, though you'll face more competition in the regional job market.
The low graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. Nearly 6 out of 10 students leave without degrees, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 75% retention rate after freshman year suggests many students struggle academically or financially as they progress.
Colorado Mesa works financially if you choose a high-earning major and commit to finishing. Nursing and construction technology students see clear career paths in the region. Students considering liberal arts or undeclared majors face higher risk given the school's completion challenges.
Only 27% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting the school may not offer generous financial assistance beyond the reasonable sticker price. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a proven program and taking advantage of in-state tuition.
Students who thrive with hands-on learning and want to stay in western Colorado should consider Colorado Mesa. Those seeking extensive financial aid or unsure about their major direction should explore schools with stronger completion rates and aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado Mesa University worth the money?
Colorado Mesa University offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $15,331 and moderate debt levels around $22,000. However, the 41% graduation rate means many students leave without a degree, which significantly hurts ROI for those who don't finish.
What are the highest paying majors at Colorado Mesa University?
Construction engineering technologies and nursing programs at Colorado Mesa University lead earnings at around $60,000-64,000 annually. Business and criminal justice graduates earn in the mid-50s, which is reasonable given the school's affordable tuition.
How much debt do Colorado Mesa University graduates have?
Colorado Mesa University graduates typically leave with $22,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low tuition helps keep borrowing reasonable, but students need to actually graduate to make the investment worthwhile.
Do Colorado Mesa University graduates get good jobs?
Colorado Mesa University graduates earn an average of $45,823 ten years after enrollment, which is modest but reflects the school's regional focus and affordable cost. Nursing and construction technology graduates see significantly higher earnings than the overall average.