At $14,294/yr net price, Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates earn $52,093/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,093/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,294 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,176 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,093/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,093/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,364/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,005/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,276/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,263/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,812/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
29.9% of students at Metropolitan State University of Denver graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Metropolitan State University of Denver delivers solid financial returns for students in technical and healthcare fields, but carries significant completion risks that can derail your investment. The $14,294 annual net price makes this one of Colorado's more affordable options, yet the 30% graduation rate means 7 out of 10 students leave without a degree.
Computer science graduates earn $72,790 annually with just $19,500 in debt, creating one of the strongest ROI profiles among Colorado public universities. Nursing, mechanical engineering technology, and accounting also produce strong earnings relative to debt loads. However, steer clear of programs not listed in the top earners, as they likely generate the $52,093 median that barely justifies four years of opportunity cost.
Your biggest financial risk here is not graduating. The 70% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic transition or life circumstances that force them to leave. If you're a first-generation college student or working significant hours while enrolled, consider whether you have adequate support systems before committing.
This school works financially for Colorado residents who can live at home, want technical training at university prices, or need flexible scheduling for work. The low aid percentage (35%) suggests limited merit scholarships, so don't expect significant discounts beyond the already reasonable sticker price.
Denver's strong job market in healthcare, technology, and engineering supports graduates, but you must actually graduate to benefit. If you're unsure about your ability to persist through completion, community college transfer pathways offer less risky entry points to these same career fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metropolitan State University of Denver worth the cost?
Metropolitan State University of Denver offers decent value with a low net price of $14,294 annually and moderate debt levels around $21,500. However, the 30% graduation rate creates significant risk that you won't finish your degree.
What programs at Metropolitan State University of Denver have the best ROI?
Computer Science graduates earn $72,790 annually, making it the strongest financial return at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Nursing and engineering technology programs also provide solid earnings in the $57,000-$62,000 range.
How much debt do Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates have?
Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates carry a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. The bigger concern is the low graduation rate, meaning many students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Why is Metropolitan State University of Denver's graduation rate so low?
Only 30% of students graduate from Metropolitan State University of Denver, well below national averages. This high dropout rate means substantial risk of leaving with debt but no degree to show for it.