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Metropolitan State University of Denver vs Emily Griffith Technical College: which has better ROI?

Public, Denver CO · vs · Public, Denver 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 not at all at Emily Griffith Technical College, on median earnings of $52,093 vs $35,487 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMetropolitan State University of DenverEmily Griffith Technical College
Net price / yr$15,327$7,197
Total net cost$61,308$28,788
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,093$35,487
Median debt$21,500
Payback16.4 yrs
20-year net return$13,352-$286,248

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

Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Emily Griffith Technical College?

Emily Griffith Technical College, at $7,197 a year after aid versus $15,327 — a gap of $8,130 a year, or $32,520 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 Emily Griffith Technical College graduates earn more?

Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates report a median $52,093 ten years after entry, $16,606 more than the $35,487 at Emily Griffith Technical College. 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 graduates more of its students?

97% of students finish at Emily Griffith Technical College, 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 Emily Griffith Technical College: frequently asked questions

Is Metropolitan State University of Denver or Emily Griffith Technical College a better value?
Metropolitan State University of Denver. It clears its $61,308 net cost in about 16.4 years versus no clear payback at Emily Griffith Technical College, on median earnings of $52,093 vs $35,487 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Emily Griffith Technical College?
Emily Griffith Technical College: $7,197/yr net price after aid versus $15,327/yr at Metropolitan State University of Denver — a difference of $8,130 a year, or about $32,520 over four years.
Do Metropolitan State University of Denver or Emily Griffith Technical College graduates earn more?
Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates earn a median $52,093 ten years after entry, versus $35,487 at Emily Griffith Technical College — a $16,606 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.