Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Metropolitan State University of Denver vary significantly across fields of study, with technology and healthcare programs typically delivering the strongest earnings while liberal arts and social sciences emphasize broader career preparation. The data below evaluates programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige, helping students understand labor market realities across different academic paths.
Analyzing 49 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings potential, national recognition, and student enrollment.
recent graduates
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by median earnings, national and state rankings, cohort size, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Metropolitan State University Of Denver.
Computer Science leads this cluster with exceptional earnings of $99,081, ranking #92 nationally and reflecting strong demand for technical skills in the Denver metropolitan area. The program graduates 85 students annually with solid value scores, indicating favorable return on investment despite modest national rankings.
This field represents MSU Denver's strongest earnings potential and attracts students seeking high-growth technology careers with substantial salary advancement opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | — | $111,187 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation outcomes from federal College Scorecard data, measuring actual earnings rather than institutional reputation or program prestige. Earnings differences between programs result from labor market demand, industry compensation patterns, and career pathway requirements, not necessarily program quality. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess return on investment. Rankings compare programs nationally within specific major categories, with higher-ranked programs demonstrating stronger graduate outcomes. Cohort sizes indicate program enrollment levels and provide context for statistical confidence. Students should consider personal interests, career goals, and long-term professional development alongside earnings data when evaluating academic options. These outcomes reflect typical graduate experiences and cannot predict individual career success.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
| — |
| 70 |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | — | $100,358 | — | 20 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | — | $98,267 | — | 55 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | — | $86,131 | — | 27 |
Business programs span a wide earnings range, from Digital Marketing at $57,726 to Information Resources Management at $72,945. Several programs achieve top Colorado rankings, including Accounting Technology (#1 statewide) and Digital Marketing (#1 statewide), indicating strong regional recognition.
Business Administration graduates 172 students annually with $59,641 median earnings, representing solid career preparation for management and entrepreneurial paths. The cluster combines practical career training with reasonable debt levels.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services. | — | $91,399★ | — | 75 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | — | $77,596 | — | 79 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | — | $73,698 | — | 117 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $65,387 | — | 182 |
| Marketing. | — | $64,069 | — | 98 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | — | $57,312 | — | 50 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | — | $45,767 | — | 43 |
Health programs deliver strong earnings outcomes with Adult Health Nursing producing $70,699 median salaries for 114 graduates annually. Clinical Research Coordinator ranks #18 nationally with $56,618 earnings, demonstrating specialized healthcare preparation that commands competitive salaries.
These programs require substantial clinical training but prepare students for high-demand healthcare roles with excellent job security and advancement potential in Colorado's growing medical sector.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | — | $86,259★ | — | 97 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | — | $62,250 | — | 71 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | — | $46,535 | — | 21 |
| Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems. | — | $45,766 | — | 33 |
Biology programs serve substantial student populations with 189 graduates annually earning $46,814, ranking #208 nationally but #3 in Colorado. These programs typically prepare students for graduate school continuation, with approximately 26% of MSU Denver graduates pursuing advanced degrees.
Science programs balance immediate workforce preparation with foundational knowledge for medical school, graduate research, and specialized technical careers requiring advanced education.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry. | — | $76,759★ | — | 20 |
| Mathematics. | — | $65,179 | — | 33 |
| Biology, General. | — | $57,920 | — | 180 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology.Small sample | — | $57,065 | — | 15 |
Social sciences emphasize service-oriented career paths with Behavioral Neuroscience leading at $41,630 earnings for 207 graduates—the university's largest program. Forensic Social Work ranks #40 nationally with strong value scores, indicating effective preparation for specialized public service roles.
Psychology programs like Behavioral Neuroscience attract students interested in graduate school preparation and research-oriented careers that prioritize long-term academic and professional development over immediate earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | — | $80,907★ | — | 22 |
| Geography and Cartography.Small sample | — | $66,429 | — | 14 |
| Political Science and Government. | — | $60,639 | — | 48 |
| Social Work. | — | $55,915 | — | 95 |
| Human Services, General. | — | $54,896 | — | 41 |
| Anthropology. | — | $53,125 | — | 22 |
| Sociology. | — | $52,414 | — | 22 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | — | $48,655 | — | 282 |
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. leads communications with 50K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.Small sample | — | $50,478★ | — | 10 |
| Journalism. | — | $47,460 | — | 33 |
English Language and Literature graduates 102 students annually with $41,406 median earnings, ranking #144 nationally and #2 in Colorado. Liberal arts programs emphasize critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that support diverse career paths including education, communications, and professional services.
These programs typically prepare students for careers that value intellectual development and written communication over immediate salary maximization.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | — | $61,654★ | — | 63 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | — | $58,918 | — | 68 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | — | $51,955 | — | 58 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | — | $50,926 | — | 30 |
| History. | — | $48,518 | — | 71 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.Small sample | — | $42,870 | — | 16 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | — | $42,490 | — | 33 |
| Music. | — | $38,957 | — | 25 |
| Philosophy.Small sample | — | $29,685 | — | 12 |
Special Education and Teaching. leads education with 52K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education and Teaching.Small sample | — | $51,786★ | — | 16 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | — | $49,025 | — | 75 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | — | $47,666 | — | 30 |
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. leads agriculture & environment with 63K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | — | $63,175 | — | 25 |
Corrections Administration graduates 142 students annually with $48,873 median earnings, ranking #100 nationally and #3 in Colorado. This program prepares students for law enforcement, corrections, and security careers in government and private sectors.
Criminal justice education emphasizes practical training for public safety roles that offer stable employment with advancement opportunities in Colorado's growing metropolitan areas.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | — | $56,564 | — | 157 |
Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies graduates 167 students annually with $43,488 earnings, ranking #64 nationally and #1 in Colorado. Exercise Science produces $46,387 for 105 graduates, ranking #112 nationally.
These flexible programs accommodate diverse career interests and often serve adult learners seeking degree completion in customized academic tracks that align with professional experience and specialized career goals.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Transportation. | — | $72,846★ | — | 78 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | — | $60,395 | — | 56 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | — | $59,502 | — | 100 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.Small sample | — | $57,810 | — | 11 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | — | $57,096 | — | 104 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies.Small sample | — | $52,747 | — | 13 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
