Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.7%
- Retention Rate
- 72.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $46,833
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,250
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $215/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Programming. | Bachelor | $54,435 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $40,488 | $22,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $40,365 | $39,488 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $39,585 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $38,871 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $22,470 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $20,750 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,405 | $23,375 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $28,381 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $27,947 | $17,065 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $27,874 | $26,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $19,646 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $14,753 |
Outcomes Overview
Western Colorado graduates earn a median of $46,833 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 43% with typical student loans of $20,250. Monthly loan payments of $215 consume about 5.5% of gross income, which sits below the recommended 10% threshold. The 95.4% employment rate reflects strong job placement in outdoor recreation, environmental science, and education fields where many Mountaineers build careers. However, the relatively modest salaries common in these passion-driven industries mean graduates prioritize lifestyle over high earnings. Given the manageable debt burden and excellent employment outcomes in fields that align with student interests, Western Colorado delivers an average return on investment for those valuing work-life balance over maximum income potential.