Head-to-head · 2026
Metropolitan State University of Denver vs Pikes Peak State College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Metropolitan State University of Denver, 3 for Pikes Peak State College — Pikes Peak State College 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 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Pikes Peak State College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.50 | 16.98 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $15,327 | $6,007 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $52,093 ✓ | $40,796 |
| Acceptance rate | 98.8% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 31.5% ✓ | 20.6% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $9,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 15,002 | 9,595 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1019 | — |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Metropolitan State University of Denver costs $9,320 more per year than Pikes Peak State College ($15,327 vs $6,007). Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates report $11,297 higher median earnings after ten years ($52,093 vs $40,796). On EduGradify's model that puts Pikes Peak State College ahead on projected ROI (16.98 vs 8.50, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Pikes Peak State College) 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; Pikes Peak State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Metropolitan State University of Denver vs Pikes Peak State College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Metropolitan State University of Denver or Pikes Peak State College the better value?
Pikes Peak State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.98 vs 8.50), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Pikes Peak State College is cheaper — average net price $6,007 per year vs $15,327 at Metropolitan State University of Denver. The annual difference of $9,320 adds up to about $37,280 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Metropolitan State University of Denver reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $52,093 vs $40,796 at Pikes Peak State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,297.
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. Metropolitan State University of Denver reports a B value grade; Pikes Peak State College reports A+.