University of Colorado Boulder vs Metropolitan State University of Denver
University of Colorado Boulder is a public university in Boulder, CO. Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public university in Denver, CO. University of Colorado Boulder admits about 78% of applicants and Metropolitan State University of Denver about 99%, making University of Colorado Boulder the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,327 a year at Metropolitan State University of Denver after aid, and about $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder. About 75% of students graduate at University of Colorado Boulder, compared with 31% at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Ten years after enrolling, University of Colorado Boulder alumni earn a median of about $69,738, against $52,093 for Metropolitan State University of Denver.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Boulder, CO
Denver, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
31,939
15,002
Acceptance rate
78%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
~2.71 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1430
880–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
17–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,346
$15,327
Full cost / yr
$37,684
$24,622
In-state tuition
$15,666
$11,124
Out-of-state tuition
$44,918
$30,684
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,231
$12,481
$30k - $48k
$14,381
$12,436
$48k - $75k
$18,828
$14,927
$75k - $110k
$26,915
$19,539
Over $110k
$34,818
$23,822
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
31%
Freshman retention
90%
63%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,939
$45,391
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,738
$52,093
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
36%
First-generation students
20%
40%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 University of Colorado Boulder or Metropolitan State University of Denver harder to get into?
- University of Colorado Boulder is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 99% at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of Colorado Boulder or Metropolitan State University of Denver?
- Metropolitan State University of Denver is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,327 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder. 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 University of Colorado Boulder and Metropolitan State University of Denver?
- Before aid, Metropolitan State University of Denver costs about $24,622 a year and University of Colorado Boulder about $37,684. 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, University of Colorado Boulder or Metropolitan State University of Denver?
- Metropolitan State University of Denver. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,481 there, against about $14,231 at University of Colorado Boulder. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Colorado Boulder or Metropolitan State University of Denver?
- University of Colorado Boulder is the larger of the two, with about 31,939 undergraduates against 15,002 at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
- Does University of Colorado Boulder or Metropolitan State University of Denver have a better graduation rate?
- University of Colorado Boulder has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 31% at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
- Do graduates of University of Colorado Boulder or Metropolitan State University of Denver earn more?
- University of Colorado Boulder alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,738 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,093 for Metropolitan State University of Denver. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Colorado Boulder and Metropolitan State University of Denver require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Colorado Boulder is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Metropolitan State University of Denver is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of Colorado Boulder and Metropolitan State University of Denver look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1430 at University of Colorado Boulder and 880–1130 at Metropolitan State University of Denver. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of Colorado Boulder vs Colorado State University-Fort CollinsUniversity of Colorado Boulder vs Colorado Technical University-Colorado SpringsMetropolitan State University of Denver vs Colorado State University-Fort CollinsMetropolitan State University of Denver vs Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
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