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Metropolitan State University of Denver vs Naropa University

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public university in Denver, CO, and Naropa University is a private university in Boulder, CO. Metropolitan State University of Denver is the more selective of the two, admitting about 99% of applicants against 100% at Naropa University. Metropolitan State University of Denver is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,327 a year against $29,179 at Naropa University. About 42% of students graduate at Naropa University, compared with 31% at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Ten years after enrolling, Metropolitan State University of Denver alumni earn a median of about $52,093, against $28,720 for Naropa University.

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO · Public

Naropa University

Boulder, CO · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Denver, CO
Boulder, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
15,002
339
Acceptance rate
99%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~2.71 avg
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1130
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
17–26
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,327
$29,179
Full cost / yr
$24,622
$53,397
In-state tuition
$11,124
$36,620
Out-of-state tuition
$30,684
$36,620
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,481
$21,457
$30k - $48k
$12,436
$33,397
$48k - $75k
$14,927
$21,817
$75k - $110k
$19,539
$45,897
Over $110k
$23,822
$46,397
Outcomes
Graduation rate
31%
42%
Freshman retention
63%
54%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,391
$21,841
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,093
$28,720
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$24,712
Student body
Pell grant recipients
36%
51%
First-generation students
40%
19%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Metropolitan State University of Denver or Naropa University harder to get into?
Metropolitan State University of Denver is harder to get into. It admits about 99% of applicants, compared with 100% at Naropa University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Naropa University?
Metropolitan State University of Denver is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,327 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,179 at Naropa University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Metropolitan State University of Denver and Naropa University?
Before aid, Metropolitan State University of Denver costs about $24,622 a year and Naropa University about $53,397. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Naropa University?
Metropolitan State University of Denver. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,481 there, against about $21,457 at Naropa University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Naropa University?
Metropolitan State University of Denver is the larger of the two, with about 15,002 undergraduates against 339 at Naropa University.
Does Metropolitan State University of Denver or Naropa University have a better graduation rate?
Naropa University has the higher graduation rate, at about 42% against 31% at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Do graduates of Metropolitan State University of Denver or Naropa University earn more?
Metropolitan State University of Denver alumni earn more on average: a median of about $52,093 ten years after enrolling, against about $28,720 for Naropa University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Metropolitan State University of Denver and Naropa University require SAT or ACT scores?
Metropolitan State University of Denver is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Naropa University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school