Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado School of Mines vs Metropolitan State University of Denver
Compare average net price ($28,690 at Colorado School of Mines; $15,327 at Metropolitan State University of Denver), ROI score (8.48 vs 8.50), ten-year median earnings ($97,335 vs $52,093), and admissions selectivity (60.7% acceptance at Colorado School of Mines; 98.8% at Metropolitan State University of Denver) using federal College Scorecard data. Colorado School of Mines has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Colorado School of Mines | Metropolitan State University of Denver |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.48 | 8.50 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $28,690 | $15,327 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $97,335 ✓ | $52,093 |
| Acceptance rate | 60.7% ✓ | 98.8% |
| Graduation rate | 81.7% ✓ | 31.5% |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $21,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 6,155 | 15,002 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1412 ✓ | 1019 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado School of Mines costs $13,363 more per year than Metropolitan State University of Denver ($28,690 vs $15,327). Colorado School of Mines graduates report $45,242 higher median earnings after ten years ($97,335 vs $52,093). On EduGradify's model that puts Metropolitan State University of Denver ahead on projected ROI (8.50 vs 8.48, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Metropolitan State University of Denver) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Colorado School of Mines is accessible at 60.7% acceptance versus 98.8% (accessible) at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Frequently asked
Colorado School of Mines vs Metropolitan State University of Denver, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado School of Mines or Metropolitan State University of Denver the better value?
Metropolitan State University of Denver has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.50 vs 8.48), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Metropolitan State University of Denver is cheaper — average net price $15,327 per year vs $28,690 at Colorado School of Mines. The annual difference of $13,363 adds up to about $53,452 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado School of Mines reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $97,335 vs $52,093 at Metropolitan State University of Denver. The annual gap in the federal data is $45,242.
Which school is harder to get into?
Colorado School of Mines is more selective at 60.7% acceptance vs 98.8% at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Colorado School of Mines reports a B value grade; Metropolitan State University of Denver reports B.