University of Colorado Boulder

What are the graduation rates for students at University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder demonstrates strong graduation outcomes, placing itself among the higher echelons nationally. The overall graduation rate stands at 75%, positioning the university in the top 20% compared to peer institutions. This indicates that three out of every four students who begin their studies complete their degrees within six years.

Gender-specific data reveals a notable difference between male and female students. Women graduate at a rate of 79%, which is higher than their male counterparts, who graduate at a rate of 72%. Both rates are considered high and also fall within the top 20% percentile, underscoring the university's effectiveness in supporting student success across genders.

Examining more immediate graduation markers, the university reports a four-year graduation rate of 58%, placing it in the top 25% nationwide. While this shows that many students complete their programs within the traditional timeframe, a substantial portion takes additional time, as reflected in the improved six-year graduation statistic.

Retention rates further emphasize the university's academic environment, with 89% of students returning after their first year. This high retention rate is in the top 20% percentile, suggesting strong initial academic and social integration for new students.

What is the earning potential for graduates at University of Colorado Boulder?

Graduates from University of Colorado Boulder experience a wide range of earnings depending on their chosen field of study. Engineering degrees, in particular, tend to offer the highest earning potential. For example, graduates with a degree in Computer Engineering earn approximately $74,023, while those in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering make about $71,135 on average. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering alumni earn around $68,440, and Civil Engineering graduates receive roughly $68,046 annually. Other engineering disciplines such as Architectural Engineering and Mechanical Engineering see average earnings of $63,737 and $62,457, respectively.

Computer Science is another lucrative field at the university, with an average earning of $69,804 for its graduates. Similarly, degrees in Business Administration, Management, and Operations yield competitive starting wages near $49,673, while Mathematics majors earn about $48,947.

Among the sciences, Chemistry graduates earn around $46,181 and Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates make approximately $38,605. Physics graduates see starting salaries near $42,374, and graduates in Astronomy and Astrophysics earn about $37,212.

Communication-related fields show varied earning potential. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication lead with earnings of $42,963, followed by Communication and Media Studies at $40,409, and Journalism at $38,625. Geography and Cartography graduates typically earn around $38,142, while Political Science and Government majors can expect about $34,035.

The humanities and social sciences tend to have lower starting wages. Economics graduates earn a moderate $44,089, and multi/interdisciplinary studies graduates report an average of $43,502. Degrees in Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics offer about $34,809, slightly above English Language and Literature graduates, who earn $29,747. Meanwhile, Psychology and Sociology degrees yield earnings in the mid-$30,000 range, with $34,383 and $34,274, respectively.

Fields such as Anthropology and Drama/Theatre Arts pay on the lower end, with Anthropology graduates earning approximately $24,880 and Drama/Theatre Arts graduates about $24,703. Fine and Studio Arts graduates see slightly higher earnings near $26,921.

Overall, students at University of Colorado Boulder pursuing engineering and computer science disciplines have the strongest earning prospects, followed by those in business and certain natural sciences. Humanities and arts degrees typically lead to more modest starting salaries, reflecting the diverse career pathways available at this institution.