Students from low-income backgrounds at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs achieve earnings that rank in the top quarter nationally, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility.
Graduates consistently manage their debt obligations successfully, with no federal loan defaults and steady progress toward financial stability.
Azimuth ranks the University of Colorado Colorado Springs among the middle tier of public four-year institutions nationwide, reflecting its balanced approach to access, affordability, and outcomes. What distinguishes UCCS is its particularly strong performance with low-income students, who achieve earnings that place the university in the top 25% nationally for this critical measure. Nearly 26% of students receive Pell Grants, and about 31% are first-generation college students, yet these populations see meaningful economic mobility after graduation.
The university delivers solid long-term financial outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $54,659 ten years after enrollment. While overall earnings align with national averages, the institution's strength lies in how consistently it supports students from diverse economic backgrounds toward stable career paths. Programs in nursing, engineering, and business administration drive much of this success, combining strong early-career earnings with steady hiring demand in Colorado's expanding economy.
As a mid-sized public university in Colorado Springs, UCCS offers the personal attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the academic breadth and research opportunities of a larger university. For families seeking reliable outcomes without the intense competition of flagship institutions, UCCS represents a practical choice that balances accessibility with meaningful long-term value.
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers a focused program portfolio that emphasizes practical, career-oriented fields with strong regional employment demand. Business Administration and Management leads in both enrollment and aggregate economic impact, graduating 362 students annually with median earnings of $40,521. While individual earnings are moderate, the program's large scale makes it a significant economic engine for the university and provides broad access to business career pathways.
Nursing represents the university's strongest combination of enrollment and earnings outcomes, with 196 graduates earning $59,441 early in their careers. This reflects Colorado's robust healthcare sector and the consistent demand for qualified nursing professionals throughout the region. Engineering programs, while smaller in scale, deliver the highest individual returns, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $69,338 from a cohort of 37 students.
The program mix reflects UCCS's practical orientation toward fields with clear career pathways and regional employment strength. Psychology, with 152 graduates earning $25,349, represents the university's commitment to foundational liberal arts education, though these students often pursue additional education or gain experience to reach higher earning potential. This balanced approach between high-earning technical fields and broader educational foundations serves the diverse needs of Colorado Springs' student population while maintaining strong connections to regional employers and career opportunities.
Graduates of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $54,659 ten years after enrollment. While earnings performance aligns with national averages for similar institutions, the university demonstrates particular strength in supporting students toward stable, well-paying careers. The institution's diverse academic portfolio produces graduates across a wide range of earning potential, from foundational fields to high-demand technical specialties.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Business Administration and Management, the university's largest program with 362 graduates, produces median earnings of $40,521 and represents the highest aggregate return due to its substantial enrollment. Nursing graduates, with 196 students completing the program, earn considerably more at $59,441 early in their careers, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in Colorado. Engineering programs deliver the highest individual earnings, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $69,338, though this represents a smaller cohort of 37 students. Psychology, while popular with 152 graduates, shows more modest early-career earnings at $25,349, typical for foundational liberal arts fields that often require additional education or experience for higher compensation.
The university's location in Colorado Springs provides graduates access to a diverse regional economy that includes healthcare systems, military installations, technology companies, and growing service sectors, supporting steady career progression across multiple industries.
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs maintains predictable and manageable pricing across income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $11,562 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $14,717 per year. Even higher-income families face reasonable expenses at $21,830 annually, creating transparent pricing that helps families plan effectively over the course of a degree. These net price levels place UCCS slightly above average compared to similar public institutions nationwide.
Debt levels remain within manageable ranges for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $20,000 in federal loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns with national patterns for public universities. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,370 for families who choose this option, representing additional but reasonable family investment in their student's education. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes UCCS particularly sustainable financially is the combination of moderate debt levels with solid post-graduation earnings. With median earnings approaching $55,000 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment schedules comfortably. The university's loan repayment patterns show that borrowers make steady progress reducing their balances, with meaningful portions of debt paid off within the first few years after graduation, reflecting the financial stability that graduates typically achieve.
University Of Colorado Colorado Springs Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
