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Metropolitan State University of Denver vs Colorado Christian University: which has better ROI?

Public, Denver CO · vs · Private nonprofit, Lakewood CO

The verdict

Metropolitan State University of Denver has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,308 in 16.4 years versus 57.4 years at Colorado Christian University, on median earnings of $52,093 vs $50,416 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMetropolitan State University of DenverColorado Christian University
Net price / yr$15,327$29,500
Total net cost$61,308$118,000
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,093$50,416
Median debt$21,500$28,312
Payback16.4 yrs57.4 yrs
20-year net return$13,352-$76,880

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Colorado Christian University?

Metropolitan State University of Denver, at $15,327 a year after aid versus $29,500 — a gap of $14,173 a year, or $56,692 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Metropolitan State University of Denver or Colorado Christian University graduates earn more?

Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates report a median $52,093 ten years after entry, $1,677 more than the $50,416 at Colorado Christian University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Colorado Christian University?

Metropolitan State University of Denver: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $28,312 at Colorado Christian University, a difference of $6,812. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at Colorado Christian University, against 32% at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs Colorado Christian University: frequently asked questions

Is Metropolitan State University of Denver or Colorado Christian University a better value?
Metropolitan State University of Denver. It clears its $61,308 net cost in about 16.4 years versus 57.4 years at Colorado Christian University, on median earnings of $52,093 vs $50,416 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Colorado Christian University?
Metropolitan State University of Denver: $15,327/yr net price after aid versus $29,500/yr at Colorado Christian University — a difference of $14,173 a year, or about $56,692 over four years.
Do Metropolitan State University of Denver or Colorado Christian University graduates earn more?
Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates earn a median $52,093 ten years after entry, versus $50,416 at Colorado Christian University — a $1,677 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.