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Accounting and Related Services at Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $52,198/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (451,900 openings/yr)

ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #166 of 714 Accounting and Related Services programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Accounting and Related Services graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$649K	$627K	$560K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.7x	16.1x	14.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.7x	6.4x	5.8x
Probability of Field Employment	76%	65%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	77	76	72

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,848

Out-of-state: $97,248 (6.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$61,324

-58% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$66,629

28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $52,198/yr, Accounting and Related Services graduates from Colorado Mesa University land near the $53,724 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Accounting and Related Services programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Accounting and Related Services's typical career paths, with 62% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 14% gap from the optimistic case.

At #166 of 714 nationally, this is a top-5% Accounting and Related Services program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $52,198 to $66,629 over five years — a 28% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Colorado Mesa University

With 81% of applicants admitted, Colorado Mesa University prioritizes broad access, serving 7,604 students in Grand Junction, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado Mesa University →

Top Career Paths

Financial managers $161,700/yr

Financial risk specialists $106,000/yr

Financial and investment analysts $101,350/yr

View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Accounting and Related Services at Colorado Mesa University?

This program scores 76/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Accounting and Related Services nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

Will AI replace Accounting and Related Services careers?

With 62% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $559,710 in decade earnings vs $648,927 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes Colorado Mesa University's Accounting and Related Services program stand out?

Ranked #166 of 714 programs nationally, Colorado Mesa University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →