Metropolitan State University of Denver
About Metropolitan State University of Denver
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public university in downtown Denver, Colorado. It is one of the most diverse and affordable public universities in the state, offering programs in business, aviation, hospitality, and health care on the Auraria Campus shared with two other institutions.
Founded
1965
Location
Denver, Colorado
Students
16,181
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
98.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
31.5%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$11,124
Out-of-state: $30,684
Avg Net Price
$15,327
After financial aid
SAT Average
1019
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$52,093
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 4
Metropolitan State University of Denver accepts the majority of applicants at 98.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1019/ 1600
ACT Scores
21/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
31.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
62.9%
4-Year Grad
11%
6-Year Grad
30%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$8.0K
Class Size
Medium
The 11% graduation rate is below average, but 62.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,124
In-State
$30,684
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,460
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,622
After Financial Aid
$15,327
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,481
Receive Grants
35.5%
Take Loans
27.7%
Tuition is $11,124/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $15,327.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Metropolitan State University of Denver fund their education.
While in School
35.5%
Get Grants
Free money
27.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$32,101
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$228/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 27.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Gender
54.8%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
15,002
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,179
Graduates
40.5%
First-Gen
25 yrs
Avg Age
29.4%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (55% women, 45% men). 40.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
15,002
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Metropolitan State University of Denver fields 8 varsity teams with 368 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
Rocky Mountain
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
368
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
53% / 47%
196
Men
172
Women
5
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Metropolitan State University of Denverearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$52,093
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Research and Experimental Psychology
$40K
250 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$44K
153 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$41K
134 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$53K
134 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Work
$44K
116 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$41K
112 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $45K six years out, growing to $52K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Metropolitan State University of Denver
What is the acceptance rate at Metropolitan State University of Denver?▾
How much does Metropolitan State University of Denver cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Metropolitan State University of Denver?▾
How much do Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.