Head-to-head · 2026
Metropolitan State University of Denver vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Compare average net price ($15,327 at Metropolitan State University of Denver; $15,788 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs), ROI score (8.50 vs 8.66), ten-year median earnings ($52,093 vs $54,659), and admissions selectivity (98.8% acceptance at Metropolitan State University of Denver; 97.4% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Colorado Colorado Springs has a 6-1 metric-level edge. University of Colorado Colorado Springs leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
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 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | University of Colorado Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.50 | 8.66 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $15,327 ✓ | $15,788 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $52,093 | $54,659 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 98.8% | 97.4% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 31.5% | 46.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $20,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 15,002 | 8,697 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1019 | 1133 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Colorado Colorado Springs costs $461 more per year than Metropolitan State University of Denver ($15,788 vs $15,327). University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates report $2,566 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,659 vs $52,093). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Colorado Colorado Springs ahead on projected ROI (8.66 vs 8.50, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Colorado Colorado Springs) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Metropolitan State University of Denver is accessible at 98.8% acceptance versus 97.4% (accessible) at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Frequently asked
Metropolitan State University of Denver vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Metropolitan State University of Denver or University of Colorado Colorado Springs the better value?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.66 vs 8.50), 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 $15,788 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The annual difference of $461 adds up to about $1,844 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,659 vs $52,093 at Metropolitan State University of Denver. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,566.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is more selective at 97.4% 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. Metropolitan State University of Denver reports a B value grade; University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports B.