Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 29.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 29.9%
- Retention Rate
- 70.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $52,093
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $72,790 | $19,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,922 | $22,195 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $27,307 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,131 | $30,750 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $57,770 | $28,247 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $23,075 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $54,254 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $51,551 | $20,437 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,376 | $22,087 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $16,989 |
| Social Work. | Master | $46,422 | $38,640 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $45,852 | $22,449 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,691 | $21,975 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $44,356 | $24,270 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $28,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Metropolitan State graduates typically earn $44,523 in their first year after graduation, climbing to $52,093 by their tenth year in the workforce. With median debt of $21,500, graduates carry a debt-to-earnings ratio of roughly 41% of their first-year salary. Monthly loan payments of $228 consume about 6% of typical starting salaries. The university serves as a pipeline for Colorado's growing healthcare, business, and education sectors. Nearly 94% of graduates find employment after completing their degrees. However, less than half of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans within the federal timeframe. Given the modest debt burden and decent regional employment outcomes, Metropolitan State offers an average return on investment for students seeking affordable access to higher education.