Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, Colorado · Public · 98.8% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 46/100 · Below Average Value
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $11,124/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $30,684/yr |
| Average net price | $15,327/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $61,308 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,093 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $36,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $228 |
| Estimated payback period | 11.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 31.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 15,002 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,481 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,436 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,927 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,539 |
| $110,001+ | $23,822 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Metropolitan State University of Denver with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $48,655 | C |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $56,564 | C |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $65,387 | C+ |
| Biology | $57,920 | D |
| Social Work | $55,915 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $57,096 | C+ |
| Air Transportation | $72,846 | C |
| Accounting | $73,698 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $49,025 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $86,259 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Metropolitan State University of Denver is $11,124/year ($30,684/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $15,327/year, or roughly $61,308 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,481/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $23,822/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $228 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $52,093 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.60 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 57.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 65.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 55.4% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 60.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 98.8% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 430-560 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 450-570 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 17-26 |
| Enrollment | 15,002 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 35.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,105 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University of Denver (this school) | 46 | $15,327 | $52,093 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | 76 | $11,900 | $64,270 |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | 47 | $10,965 | $48,160 |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | 46 | $17,613 | $49,827 |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | 42 | $13,154 | $46,482 |
| Adams State University | 29 | $12,980 | $44,372 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Metropolitan State University of Denver is mixed. At $15,327 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $52,093 ten years after entry - a payback period of 11.8 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include a 31.5% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $21,500 against $52,093 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.