Head-to-head · 2026
Community College of Denver vs Metropolitan State University of Denver
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Community College of Denver, 2 for Metropolitan State University of Denver — Community College of Denver 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 Denver | Metropolitan State University of Denver |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.34 ✓ | 8.50 |
| Avg net price | $9,450 ✓ | $15,327 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $39,095 | $52,093 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 98.8% |
| Graduation rate | 20% | 31.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,495 ✓ | $21,500 |
| Enrollment | 5,096 | 15,002 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1019 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Metropolitan State University of Denver costs $5,877 more per year than Community College of Denver ($15,327 vs $9,450). Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates report $12,998 higher median earnings after ten years ($52,093 vs $39,095). On EduGradify's model that puts Community College of Denver ahead on projected ROI (10.34 vs 8.50, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Community College of Denver) 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 Denver does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Community College of Denver vs Metropolitan State University of Denver, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Community College of Denver or Metropolitan State University of Denver the better value?
Community College of Denver has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.34 vs 8.50), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Community College of Denver is cheaper — average net price $9,450 per year vs $15,327 at Metropolitan State University of Denver. The annual difference of $5,877 adds up to about $23,508 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Metropolitan State University of Denver reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $52,093 vs $39,095 at Community College of Denver. The annual gap in the federal data is $12,998.
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 Denver reports a B value grade; Metropolitan State University of Denver reports B.