Metropolitan State University of Denver vs Colorado State University Pueblo: which has better ROI?
Colorado State University Pueblo has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $40,204 in 5.6 years versus 16.4 years at Metropolitan State University of Denver, on median earnings of $55,563 vs $52,093 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Colorado State University Pueblo |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,327 | $10,051 |
| Total net cost | $61,308 | $40,204 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,093 | $55,563 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 16.4 yrs | 5.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $13,352 | $103,856 |
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 State University Pueblo?
Colorado State University Pueblo, at $10,051 a year after aid versus $15,327 — a gap of $5,276 a year, or $21,104 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 State University Pueblo graduates earn more?
Colorado State University Pueblo graduates report a median $55,563 ten years after entry, $3,470 more than the $52,093 at Metropolitan State University of Denver. 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 State University Pueblo?
Completers at both borrow a median $21,500, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
40% of students finish at Colorado State University Pueblo, 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.