Metropolitan State University of Denver vs Western Colorado University
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public university in Denver, CO, and Western Colorado University is a public university in Gunnison, CO. Metropolitan State University of Denver is the more selective of the two, admitting about 99% of applicants against 100% at Western Colorado University. Metropolitan State University of Denver is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,327 a year against $16,425 at Western Colorado University. About 51% of students graduate at Western Colorado 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 $46,833 for Western Colorado University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Denver, CO
Gunnison, CO
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
15,002
1,586
Acceptance rate
99%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~2.71 avg
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1130
1163–1353
ACT (middle 50%)
17–26
22–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,327
$16,425
Full cost / yr
$24,622
$25,736
In-state tuition
$11,124
$11,318
Out-of-state tuition
$30,684
$24,434
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,481
$11,490
$30k - $48k
$12,436
$10,868
$48k - $75k
$14,927
$13,908
$75k - $110k
$19,539
$16,928
Over $110k
$23,822
$21,396
Outcomes
Graduation rate
31%
51%
Freshman retention
63%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,391
$40,037
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,093
$46,833
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$20,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
36%
12%
First-generation students
40%
25%
International students
1%
1%
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.
- Is Metropolitan State University of Denver or Western Colorado 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 Western Colorado 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 Western Colorado University?
- Metropolitan State University of Denver is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,327 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,425 at Western Colorado 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 Western Colorado University?
- Before aid, Metropolitan State University of Denver costs about $24,622 a year and Western Colorado University about $25,736. 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 Western Colorado University?
- Western Colorado University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,490 there, against about $12,481 at Metropolitan State University of Denver. 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 Western Colorado University?
- Metropolitan State University of Denver is the larger of the two, with about 15,002 undergraduates against 1,586 at Western Colorado University.
- Does Metropolitan State University of Denver or Western Colorado University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Colorado University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 31% at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
- Do graduates of Metropolitan State University of Denver or Western Colorado 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 $46,833 for Western Colorado University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Metropolitan State University of Denver and Western Colorado 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. Western Colorado University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Metropolitan State University of Denver and Western Colorado University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1130 at Metropolitan State University of Denver and 1163–1353 at Western Colorado University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Metropolitan State University of Denver vs University of Colorado BoulderMetropolitan State University of Denver vs Colorado State University-Fort CollinsMetropolitan State University of Denver vs Colorado Technical University-Colorado SpringsWestern Colorado University vs United States Air Force AcademyWestern Colorado University vs Colorado CollegeWestern Colorado University vs Fort Lewis College
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