Metropolitan State University of Denver vs University of Denver: which has better ROI?
University of Denver has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,524 in 6.3 years versus 16.4 years at Metropolitan State University of Denver, on median earnings of $71,155 vs $52,093 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Metropolitan State University of Denver | University of Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,327 | $36,131 |
| Total net cost | $61,308 | $144,524 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,093 | $71,155 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $21,844 |
| Payback | 16.4 yrs | 6.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $13,352 | $311,376 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University of Denver or University of Denver?
Metropolitan State University of Denver, at $15,327 a year after aid versus $36,131 — a gap of $20,804 a year, or $83,216 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 University of Denver graduates earn more?
University of Denver graduates report a median $71,155 ten years after entry, $19,062 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 University of Denver?
Metropolitan State University of Denver: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $21,844 at University of Denver, a difference of $344. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
76% of students finish at University of Denver, 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.