At $19,133/yr net price, University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus graduates earn $64,270/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,270/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,133 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,532 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,270/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,270/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,135/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,083/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,871/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,700/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,355/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Doctoral | $234,763 | $226,707 |
| Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies. | Master | $122,038 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $118,790 | $167,617 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $115,339 | $65,649 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $113,531 | $242,379 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Doctoral | $90,501 | $95,980 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $89,184 | $56,311 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $88,879 | $42,744 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $83,546 | $23,376 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $79,284 |
The Risk Factor
47.4% of students at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus 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
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus delivers strong returns if you pursue healthcare, but weak outcomes in most other fields. The school's medical programs justify their high costs through strong earning power, while general degree programs struggle to provide value at this price point.
Your program choice determines everything here. Advanced dentistry graduates earn $234,763 annually despite carrying $226,707 in debt. Medical clinical sciences and pharmacy programs also generate six-figure salaries that easily service their debt loads. Nursing offers the best balance with $115,339 earnings against just $65,649 in debt. These healthcare tracks make financial sense given Denver's growing medical sector and the school's hospital affiliations.
Non-medical programs present serious financial risks. With overall median earnings of just $64,270 and a concerning 47% graduation rate, you face substantial odds of either dropping out or graduating into lower-paying careers that struggle to justify the $19,133 annual cost. The 71% retention rate signals many students realize this mismatch too late.
You should attend UC Denver only if you gain admission to specific healthcare programs. Pre-med students, nursing candidates, and pharmacy majors benefit from the medical campus connections and clinical training opportunities. Everyone else should look elsewhere for better value.
Financial aid remains limited with just 26% of students receiving assistance. Merit scholarships target high-achieving students in competitive programs. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisites at community college before transferring, or choosing the nursing program for its superior debt-to-income ratio among healthcare options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus worth the cost?
The value depends heavily on your program choice. Medical and dental programs show strong earnings potential, while the overall 10-year median earnings of $64,270 are modest for a $19,133 annual cost.
What programs at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus have the best ROI?
Graduate dentistry leads with median earnings of $234,763, followed by medical clinical sciences at $122,038. Nursing and pharmacy programs also show solid returns above $115,000.
How much debt do University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus graduates typically have?
The median debt is $20,500, which is relatively manageable compared to many universities. However, with a 47% graduation rate, nearly half of students don't complete their degrees.
Does University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus provide good financial aid?
The net price of $19,133 suggests decent financial aid for in-state students. Out-of-state students should carefully calculate costs since health science programs require significant time investment.