Head-to-head · 2026
Community College of Aurora vs Metropolitan State University of Denver
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for Community College of Aurora, 1 for Metropolitan State University of Denver — Community College of Aurora 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 | Community College of Aurora | Metropolitan State University of Denver |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.88 ✓ | 8.50 |
| Avg net price | $8,656 ✓ | $15,327 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,592 | $52,093 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 98.8% |
| Graduation rate | 33.5% ✓ | 31.5% |
| Median debt | $10,500 ✓ | $21,500 |
| Enrollment | 3,250 | 15,002 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1019 |
| Wins | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Metropolitan State University of Denver costs $6,671 more per year than Community College of Aurora ($15,327 vs $8,656). Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates report $7,501 higher median earnings after ten years ($52,093 vs $44,592). On EduGradify's model that puts Community College of Aurora ahead on projected ROI (12.88 vs 8.50, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Community College of Aurora) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Metropolitan State University of Denver reports 98.8% acceptance; Community College of Aurora does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Community College of Aurora vs Metropolitan State University of Denver, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Community College of Aurora or Metropolitan State University of Denver the better value?
Community College of Aurora has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.88 vs 8.50), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Community College of Aurora is cheaper — average net price $8,656 per year vs $15,327 at Metropolitan State University of Denver. The annual difference of $6,671 adds up to about $26,684 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Metropolitan State University of Denver reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $52,093 vs $44,592 at Community College of Aurora. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,501.
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. Community College of Aurora reports a A value grade; Metropolitan State University of Denver reports B.