Metropolitan State University of Denver Acceptance Rate &
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public research university in Denver, Colorado, with about 15,002 students. Admission is moderately selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 98.80% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $52,093 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $11,124
- 2024 Average Net Price: $15,327 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 98.80% Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 15,002 56.4% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 31.54%
- Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs
- First-Generation Students: 40.5%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 5.1% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price decrease of 8.4% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
- Average SAT Score: 1019
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 20,985
- Applicants (IPEDS): 12,403
- Room & Board: $16,785 annual estimate
Metropolitan State University of Denver: what the data shows
Common questions about Metropolitan State University of Denver, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is Metropolitan State University of Denver?
Metropolitan State University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (ZIP 80217-3362).
NCES locale classification: City.
Is Metropolitan State University of Denver public or private?
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a Public institution.
How much does Metropolitan State University of Denver cost?
Published tuition: $11,124 in-state, $30,684 out-of-state.
Average net price after aid: $15,327.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $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 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $44,496.
How hard is it to get into Metropolitan State University of Denver?
Admission rate: 98.80%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 1019 and midpoint ACT 21.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is Metropolitan State University of Denver?
Total enrollment: 15,002 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 20,985 students.
Graduate enrollment: 1,179 students.
About 56% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at Metropolitan State University of Denver?
150%-time completion rate: 31.54%.
First-year retention: 62.9%.
What do graduates of Metropolitan State University of Denver earn?
Median earnings: $45,391 six years after entry; $52,093 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $21,500.
35.51% of students receive Pell grants.
What is Metropolitan State University of Denver known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- General Studies (337 completions)
- Social Work (312 completions)
- Research and Experimental Psychology, Other (235 completions)
- Business Administration and Management, General (156 completions)
- Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General (137 completions)
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General (135 completions)
- Criminal Justice/Safety Studies (130 completions)
- Accounting (124 completions)
- Computer Science (94 completions)
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (84 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is Metropolitan State University of Denver a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 98.80%; completion rate 31.54%; median earnings $52,093 at 10 years; net price $15,327. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$11,124
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Metropolitan State University of Denver was $11,124.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$15,327
2024 Value
In 2024 Metropolitan State University of Denver had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $15,327.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$61,308 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$15,327 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$44,496 4-Year In-State Tuition
$122,736 4-Year Out-of-State Tuition
$16,785 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$1,460 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$29,369 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$117,476 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Financial Aid by Income Level
35.51% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
27.70% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Metropolitan State University of Denver was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for Metropolitan State University of Denver in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $5,744 | $17,837 | $10,586 |
| 2014 | $6,070 | $18,888 | $10,378 |
| 2015 | $6,420 | $20,057 | $9,521 |
| 2016 | $6,930 | $20,096 | $13,270 |
| 2017 | $7,352 | $20,149 | $13,276 |
| 2018 | $7,666 | $20,847 | $16,204 |
| 2019 | $8,151 | $21,728 | $14,257 |
| 2020 | $8,693 | $23,967 | $14,313 |
| 2021 | $10,021 | $27,502 | $13,806 |
| 2022 | $10,260 | $28,092 | $15,602 |
| 2023 | $10,780 | $29,503 | $14,294 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
98.80% Acceptance Rate
12,403 Total Applicants
12,296 Students Admitted
2,132 First-Time Students Enrolled
17.34% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1019
ACT Average: 21
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.0 - 3.4
Estimated Median GPA: 3.20
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
Metropolitan State University of Denver reported total enrollment of about 15,002 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 45% male and 55% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (41.8%), Hispanic or Latino (36.7%), and Black or African American (8.6%). About 35.51% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 40.5% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
56.4% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2024 is 15,002 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 20,985 students. Graduate enrollment is about 1,179 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
62.9%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 41.8%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
12.28% 100% Completion Time
31.54% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 12.28% of students graduating from Metropolitan State University of Denver completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- General Studies: 58% male / 42% female
- Social Work: 10% male / 90% female
- Research and Experimental Psychology, Other: 19% male / 81% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Return on Investment
$21,500 Median Student Debt
$52,093 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
41.27% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
749.69% Return on Investment
4.1 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 108 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. General Studies: 337 completions
2. Social Work: 312 completions
3. Research and Experimental Psychology, Other: 235 completions
4. Business Administration and Management, General: 156 completions
5. Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General: 137 completions
6. Biology/Biological Sciences, General: 135 completions
7. Criminal Justice/Safety Studies: 130 completions
8. Accounting: 124 completions
9. Computer Science: 94 completions
Most popular programs at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for Metropolitan State University of Denver from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 100.0%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $10,105
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $8,036
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public institution located in Denver, CO, classified as Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were General Studies, Social Work, Research and Experimental Psychology, Other. Enrollment is approximately 15,002 students. Student body composition includes White (41.8%), Hispanic or Latino (36.7%), Black or African American (8.6%). The admission rate is 98.80%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1019. The 150%-time completion rate is 31.54%. Approximately 35.51% of students receive Pell Grants. About 40.5% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Public
Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs
Location
Denver, CO 80217-3362
Region: Rocky Mountains
Insights and Analysis
Graduation Rate Considerations: The 31.54% graduation rate at Metropolitan State University of Denver falls below the national average. Prospective students should carefully consider factors such as academic preparation, support services, and career outcomes when evaluating this institution.
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 108 distinct degree programs, Metropolitan State University of Denver provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Metropolitan State University of Denver located?
Metropolitan State University of Denver is located in Denver, CO.
What is Metropolitan State University of Denver's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at Metropolitan State University of Denver is 98.8% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 12,403 applicants and 12,296 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does Metropolitan State University of Denver cost?
Reported tuition is $11,124 and average net price is $15,327 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $16,785 annually.
What is the student body demographics at Metropolitan State University of Denver?
Metropolitan State University of Denver reports undergraduate enrollment of about 20,985 students, White (41.8%), Hispanic or Latino (36.7%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend Metropolitan State University of Denver?
About 40.5% of students at Metropolitan State University of Denver are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for Metropolitan State University of Denver?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, Metropolitan State University of Denver reports midpoint SAT about 1019 and midpoint ACT about 21.
What do graduates of Metropolitan State University of Denver earn?
Median earnings are $45,391 six years after entry and $52,093 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at Metropolitan State University of Denver?
The 150%-time completion rate is 31.5% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do Metropolitan State University of Denver students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $21,500.
Is Metropolitan State University of Denver public or private?
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public institution located in Denver, CO.
Is Metropolitan State University of Denver an HBCU?
No. Metropolitan State University of Denver is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is Metropolitan State University of Denver a tribal college?
No. Metropolitan State University of Denver is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- Colorado college costs
- Colorado colleges by ROI
- Denver, Colorado city profile
- Rocky Mountains regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Colorado
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.