Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Colorado Boulder vary significantly by field of study, with engineering and computer science programs delivering the highest earnings while liberal arts programs offer different career preparation pathways. The data below reflects post-graduation earnings, debt levels, and program-specific outcomes rather than academic reputation or teaching quality.
Analyzing 47 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate strong combinations of earnings outcomes, national rankings, and substantial enrollment numbers.
#61 nationally
$53K median earnings
Engineering and technology programs lead University of Colorado Boulder in post-graduation earnings. Computer Science produces $104,284 median earnings, followed by Aerospace Engineering at $92,144 and Mechanical Engineering at $82,040. Business Administration generates $74,824 for the institution's largest program cohort. Mathematics programs like Algebra and Number Theory deliver $68,103, while Applied Economics produces $65,987 for substantial enrollment numbers.
Several University of Colorado Boulder programs achieve top-tier national recognition alongside strong earnings outcomes. Environmental Design ranks #1 nationally with perfect value scores, while Aerospace Engineering holds #11 nationally with $92,144 median earnings. Computer Science and Business Administration both rank #59 nationally while serving large student populations. These rankings reflect post-graduation employment success and earning power rather than academic reputation, providing insight into labor market reception of University of Colorado Boulder 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 rank, debt levels, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Colorado Boulder.
Engineering programs at University of Colorado Boulder demonstrate exceptional outcomes, with Computer Science ranking #59 nationally while producing $104,284 median earnings. Aerospace Engineering ranks #11 nationally with $92,144 earnings, and Mechanical Engineering delivers $82,040.
These programs combine strong national recognition with substantial earning potential, though debt levels range from $44,860 to $53,901. This group represents the institution's strongest career preparation for students prioritizing immediate post-graduation earning power and technical career pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. |
Program-level outcomes vary significantly within institutions due to differences in career paths, industry demand, and graduate school continuation rates. Rankings reflect labor market results rather than academic quality, using Department of Education data on graduate earnings and debt from the College Scorecard. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for inclusion, and earnings represent median outcomes for bachelor's degree recipients working full-time. Value scores combine earnings and debt to assess return on investment, with higher scores indicating better debt-to-earnings relationships. Students should consider these outcomes alongside personal interests, career goals, and post-graduation plans when evaluating program fit.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores combine earnings and debt to identify programs offering strong return on investment. Environmental Design achieves a perfect 100.0 value score while ranking #1 nationally. Business Administration scores 82.9 with substantial enrollment, and Applied Sociology reaches 82.3 despite moderate earnings. Aerospace Engineering scores 79.6 with strong national ranking, while multiple biological sciences programs achieve value scores above 75.0 reflecting controlled debt levels.
Engineering and business programs demonstrate excellent loan affordability with payments under 8% of discretionary income. Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business, Applied Economics, and American Government all achieve excellent affordability ratings. Psychology and Biological Sciences maintain good affordability with payments between 8-12% of discretionary income, while Communications programs require more careful debt management.
| #61 |
| $104,284★ |
| $44,860 |
| 446 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #28 | $93,146 | — | 79 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General. | #11 | $92,144 | $47,770 | 220 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #101 | $91,412 | — | 45 |
| Biochemical Engineering. | — | $83,236 | — | 72 |
| Architectural Engineering. | #5 | $82,241 | — | 37 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #109 | $82,040 | $53,901 | 292 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #85 | $75,539 | — | 67 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | #6 | $73,677 | — | 49 |
| Engineering Physics. | #4 | $69,338 | — | 27 |
Business Administration leads enrollment with 1,080 graduates earning $74,824 and ranking #59 nationally, while Applied Economics produces $65,987 with 307 graduates. Both programs rank #1 in Colorado, indicating strong regional positioning.
Value scores of 82.9 and 38.6 respectively show variation in debt-to-earnings relationships within the business cluster. These programs serve students seeking management and analytical career paths with solid mid-career earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #58 | $74,824 | $60,346 | 1,080 |
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. leads health with 50K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #76 | $49,930 | — | 72 |
Life sciences programs show more moderate earnings outcomes, with Aerospace Physiology producing $49,460 for 348 graduates and ranking #14 nationally. Aquatic Biology ranks #9 nationally with $44,364 earnings, while programs in Anatomy and Neuroanatomy serve smaller cohorts.
Mathematics programs like Algebra and Number Theory deliver $68,103 for 122 graduates. This group serves students planning graduate school continuation or specialized research careers where immediate earnings may not reflect long-term potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #55 | $68,103★ | — | 122 |
| Applied Mathematics, General. | #22 | $61,516 | — | 69 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #16 | $60,304 | — | 103 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #46 | $51,989 | — | 78 |
| Acoustics. | #51 | $50,697 | — | 72 |
| Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other. | #2 | $50,573 | — | 64 |
| Aerospace Physiology and Medicine. | #14 | $49,460 | $62,703 | 348 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #48 | $49,180 | — | 51 |
| Anatomy. | #17 | $45,504 | — | 152 |
| Aquatic Biology/Limnology. | #10 | $44,364 | $59,866 | 219 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #139 | $42,682 | — | 37 |
Psychology enrolls 485 students earning $51,637 with strong national ranking at #45, while American Government produces $60,121 for 219 graduates. Applied Sociology delivers $51,246 with a high value score of 82.3.
These programs typically prepare students for graduate study, public service, or human services careers where earnings may grow substantially with experience and advanced credentials.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #128 | $65,987★ | $54,605 | 307 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #88 | $60,121 | $51,516 | 219 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | #9 | $54,616 | — | 60 |
| Psychology, General. | #45 | $51,637 | $47,773 | 485 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #46 | $51,246 | $49,200 | 189 |
| Anthropology, General. | #57 | $36,224 | — | 87 |
Communication and Media Studies generates $56,211 for 180 graduates with strong value scores, while Advertising produces lower earnings at $42,218 despite ranking #55 nationally. Both programs rank #1 in Colorado, indicating regional strength.
The variation in outcomes within communications reflects different career paths, from media production to advertising and public relations, each with distinct earning trajectories and debt implications.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalism. | #5 | $62,737★ | — | 62 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #65 | $56,211 | $55,500 | 180 |
| Advertising. | #61 | $42,218 | $76,145 | 368 |
Catalan Language and Literature. leads humanities & arts with 57K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #22 | $57,251★ | — | 50 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #23 | $46,884 | — | 56 |
| Chinese Language and Literature. | #11 | $46,064 | — | 30 |
| American History (United States). | #194 | $39,591 | — | 97 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #32 | $39,168 | — | 73 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #166 | $37,557 | — | 146 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #110 | $35,473 | — | 75 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #59 | $34,835 | — | 28 |
| Brass Instruments. | #143 | $23,579 | — | 49 |
| Acting. | #125 | $22,999 | — | 27 |
| General Studies. | #201 | $18,771 | — | 26 |
Environmental Science ranks #42 nationally with $48,881 earnings for 185 graduates and strong value scores of 69.6. Environmental Design ranks #1 nationally with perfect value scores and $52,694 earnings, though serving a smaller cohort of 141 students.
These programs attract students committed to sustainability careers where mission alignment often balances earning potential considerations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #42 | $48,881 | $42,628 | 185 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 47K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Design, Other. | #1 🏆 | $52,694★ | $46,144 | 141 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #19 | $50,504 | $41,417 | 159 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #45 | $38,289 | — | 61 |
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.
