About Metropolitan State University of Denver
The financial picture tells a story of affordability with complications. Students pay an average net price of $14,294 after aid, which keeps college accessible for families earning under $50,000 who pay around $12,000. Graduates earn a median of $52,093 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,500 manageable. However, only 30% of students graduate within six years, and nearly half struggle with loan repayment.
The student body reflects Denver's diversity, with 37% Hispanic students and 43% white students creating a majority-minority campus. Nearly all students come from Colorado, with 98% holding in-state status. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 70% retention rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees on the traditional timeline.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 29.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 29.9%
- Retention Rate
- 70.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,093
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $72,790 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,922 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,131 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $57,770 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $56,415 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $54,254 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $51,551 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,376 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
Campus Life
With 98% of students from Colorado, the campus feels deeply local rather than drawing crowds from across the country. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes despite the large enrollment. Most students commute rather than live on campus, giving the university a decidedly non-residential feel. Weekends often empty out as students head home or explore Denver's music venues, hiking trails, and brewery scene. The Roadrunners compete in Division II athletics with 12 varsity sports, though the 263 total athletes represent a small slice of campus life. Students here typically balance work and school, reflected in the 70% retention rate as many juggle multiple responsibilities beyond academics.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1965
Campus Safety (2023)
96 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 28 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Stalking | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Burglary | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Rape | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–48°F
- July Avg
- 61°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 15.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 40.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.9%
- Women
- 55.1%
- White
- 42.8%
- Black
- 7.8%
- Hispanic
- 36.7%
- Asian
- 4.5%
- In-State Students
- 98.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.1%
Location
- Address
- Denver, Colorado 80217-3362
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,093
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,358
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Metropolitan State University of Denver?
Metropolitan State University of Denver accepts 97.91% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1020. The university operates as an open-access institution, welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds who are ready to pursue higher education in downtown Denver.
How much does Metropolitan State University of Denver cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,294 annually, with in-state tuition at $10,780. The university keeps costs accessible for working-class families, as evidenced by 35.08% of students receiving Pell Grants for low-income students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Metropolitan State University of Denver?
Metropolitan State University of Denver maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio across its 14,932 enrolled students. The university emphasizes practical, career-focused education with strong connections to Denver's business community and internship opportunities.
What are the graduation outcomes at Metropolitan State University of Denver?
The university has a 29.90% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $52,093 ten years after enrollment. Metro State serves many first-generation college students and working adults who often attend part-time while balancing careers and family responsibilities.
Where is Metropolitan State University of Denver located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in downtown Denver with 98.37% of students coming from Colorado. Students experience urban campus life with direct access to Denver's job market, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation, while the Roadrunners compete in 12 Division II sports.
Is Metropolitan State University of Denver diverse?
The student body is 36.65% Hispanic, 42.78% White, and 7.82% Black, making it one of Colorado's most diverse universities. Women comprise 55.14% of enrollment, and the university has built a strong reputation for serving underrepresented populations in higher education.
