Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs Metropolitan State University of Denver
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for Colorado State University-Fort Collins, 2 for Metropolitan State University of Denver — Colorado State University-Fort Collins has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Metropolitan State University of Denver |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.11 | 8.50 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,279 | $15,327 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $60,543 ✓ | $52,093 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.5% ✓ | 98.8% |
| Graduation rate | 66.5% ✓ | 31.5% |
| Median debt | $20,000 ✓ | $21,500 |
| Enrollment | 25,538 | 15,002 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1019 |
| Wins | 4 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado State University-Fort Collins costs $5,952 more per year than Metropolitan State University of Denver ($21,279 vs $15,327). Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates report $8,450 higher median earnings after ten years ($60,543 vs $52,093). On EduGradify's model that puts Metropolitan State University of Denver ahead on projected ROI (8.50 vs 7.11, 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 State University-Fort Collins is accessible at 88.5% acceptance versus 98.8% (accessible) at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Frequently asked
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs Metropolitan State University of Denver, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado State University-Fort Collins or Metropolitan State University of Denver the better value?
Metropolitan State University of Denver has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.50 vs 7.11), 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 $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. The annual difference of $5,952 adds up to about $23,808 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $60,543 vs $52,093 at Metropolitan State University of Denver. The annual gap in the federal data is $8,450.
Which school is harder to get into?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is more selective at 88.5% 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 State University-Fort Collins reports a C value grade; Metropolitan State University of Denver reports B.