At $12,948/yr net price, Colorado State University Pueblo graduates earn $55,563/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,563/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,948 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,792 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,563/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,563/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,687/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,346/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,322/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,690/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,746/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,539 | $41,000 |
| Engineering, Other. | Bachelor | $61,303 | $28,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,967 | $24,111 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $54,254 | |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $44,091 | $18,000 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $43,957 | $22,750 |
| Education, General. | Master | $40,281 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $20,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,674 |
The Risk Factor
38.0% of students at Colorado State University Pueblo graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Colorado State University Pueblo offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in specific programs but concerning overall graduation rates. The school's $12,948 annual net price creates solid value potential, but only 38% of students actually graduate.
Nursing programs deliver strong returns, with graduates earning up to $96,539 annually. Even accounting for the $41,000 debt load in the top nursing track, you'll see strong lifetime earnings. Engineering programs also perform well, with other engineering specialties reaching $61,303 and manageable $28,000 debt loads. Civil engineering technology graduates earn $57,318 with minimal debt burdens.
Business majors face tougher math at $54,254 in median earnings, barely exceeding the school's overall average. With Colorado's competitive business job market centered in Denver and Boulder, Pueblo's location limits networking and internship access compared to Front Range universities.
The 38% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't complete your degree, you'll carry debt without the earnings boost. The 65% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the transition or academic demands.
This school works financially if you're pursuing nursing or engineering and can commit to graduation. The low net price makes it accessible for Colorado residents seeking these high-demand fields. However, you should consider stronger alternatives if you're interested in business or liberal arts, where the regional job market and networking opportunities don't justify the completion risk.
Colorado residents benefit from in-state tuition advantages, but the limited financial aid reach to just 28% of students means merit scholarships are scarce. Focus on completing prerequisite courses at community college first to minimize your total investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado State University Pueblo worth the cost?
Colorado State University Pueblo offers decent value with a low net price of $12,948 and manageable debt levels around $21,500. However, the 38% graduation rate is concerning and may indicate academic support challenges that could affect your investment.
What are the best paying majors at Colorado State University Pueblo?
Nursing programs at Colorado State University Pueblo lead earnings at $96,539 annually, followed by engineering at $61,303. Most other programs fall closer to the overall average of $55,563, which is modest for a four-year degree.
How much debt do Colorado State University Pueblo graduates have?
Colorado State University Pueblo graduates carry a median debt of $21,500, which is reasonable compared to national averages. The low tuition helps keep borrowing manageable, but the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Colorado State University Pueblo have good job outcomes?
Colorado State University Pueblo graduates earn an average of $55,563 ten years after graduation, which provides a decent return given the low cost. The school's strength lies in specific programs like nursing rather than broad career preparation across all majors.