Colorado State University-Fort Collins Programs & Rankings

Business programs at Colorado State serve large student populations while delivering solid career outcomes. Business Administration graduates 705 students annually with median earnings of $66,656, ranking #66 nationally and #2 in Colorado.

Applied Economics produces fewer graduates (157) but similar earnings of $61,513. Both programs achieve value scores above 30, indicating positive return despite moderate debt levels.

Loan affordability ratings reach excellent levels for business fields, supporting strong debt capacity. These programs suit students seeking broad career flexibility with established alumni networks and diverse post-graduation pathways in corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial settings.

Science programs show varied outcomes reflecting different career paths and graduate school preparation rates. Biology graduates earn $45,702 with 291 students, though the program ranks #237 nationally indicating competitive field dynamics.

Animal Behavior graduates earn less ($36,830) but achieve a strong #7 national ranking with high value scores of 72.7. These programs often serve students pursuing graduate education, with lower immediate earnings balanced by longer-term career development.

Debt capacity ratings range from challenging to good depending on specific field. This group suits students committed to scientific careers and prepared for potential graduate study pathways.

Social science programs demonstrate Colorado State's strength in applied fields with practical career applications. Applied/Public Sociology leads with strong outcomes, ranking #66 nationally and earning $49,842 with excellent value scores of 73.3.

Psychology serves a larger population (255 students) with earnings of $44,703. American Government and Politics graduates earn $52,001 with solid state ranking (#3).

These programs combine moderate earnings with manageable debt levels, achieving good to excellent debt capacity ratings. This group suits students interested in public service, social work, policy analysis, and community leadership roles.

Communication programs at Colorado State serve substantial student populations with moderate earnings outcomes. Communication and Media Studies graduates 197 students earning $45,258, while Broadcast Journalism produces 129 graduates earning $45,792.

Both programs rank in the middle ranges nationally (#170 and #54 respectively) with value scores around 33-51. Debt capacity ratings indicate manageable but not exceptional loan affordability.

These programs suit students drawn to media, journalism, and communication careers who understand that earnings growth often depends on experience, location, and specialization within the broad communications field.

Colorado State's agricultural programs reflect the university's land-grant mission and Colorado's agricultural economy. Golf Course Operation represents a specialized field with 109 graduates earning $39,516, ranking #19 nationally in this niche area.

While earnings appear moderate, these programs often lead to careers in agricultural business, land management, and outdoor recreation industries with potential for advancement. Debt capacity ratings indicate manageable borrowing levels appropriate for these career paths.

These programs suit students passionate about environmental stewardship, agricultural systems, and outdoor recreation management with understanding of industry-specific career trajectories.

Interdisciplinary programs serve diverse student interests and career goals. Adult Development and Aging stands out with 296 graduates, ranking #26 nationally despite moderate earnings of $41,685.

The program achieves strong value scores of 73.7, indicating excellent return relative to investment. Exercise Science serves 226 students with earnings of $47,082 and solid national ranking (#96).

These programs often prepare students for graduate study or specialized professional fields where immediate earnings may not reflect long-term career potential. This group suits students with specific interests in human development, health sciences, or interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems.