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University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs Metropolitan State University of Denver

University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a public university in Colorado Springs, CO. Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public university in Denver, CO. University of Colorado Colorado Springs admits about 97% of applicants and Metropolitan State University of Denver about 99%, making University of Colorado Colorado Springs 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 $15,788 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. About 46% of students graduate at University of Colorado Colorado Springs, compared with 31% at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Ten years after enrolling, University of Colorado Colorado Springs alumni earn a median of about $54,659, against $52,093 for Metropolitan State University of Denver.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO · Public

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,697
15,002
Acceptance rate
97%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
~2.71 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1220
880–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
17–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,788
$15,327
Full cost / yr
$24,595
$24,622
In-state tuition
$10,149
$11,124
Out-of-state tuition
$24,336
$30,684
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,065
$12,481
$30k - $48k
$11,642
$12,436
$48k - $75k
$12,104
$14,927
$75k - $110k
$18,388
$19,539
Over $110k
$22,142
$23,822
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
31%
Freshman retention
68%
63%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,766
$45,391
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,659
$52,093
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
36%
First-generation students
31%
40%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Metropolitan State University of Denver harder to get into?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is harder to get into. It admits about 97% 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 Colorado Springs 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 $15,788 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs and Metropolitan State University of Denver?
Before aid, University of Colorado Colorado Springs costs about $24,595 a year and Metropolitan State University of Denver about $24,622. 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 Colorado Springs or Metropolitan State University of Denver?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,065 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, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Metropolitan State University of Denver?
Metropolitan State University of Denver is the larger of the two, with about 15,002 undergraduates against 8,697 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Does University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Metropolitan State University of Denver have a better graduation rate?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs has the higher graduation rate, at about 46% against 31% at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Do graduates of University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Metropolitan State University of Denver earn more?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,659 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 Colorado Springs and Metropolitan State University of Denver require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs and Metropolitan State University of Denver look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1220 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs and 880–1130 at Metropolitan State University of Denver. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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