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

Public, Denver CO · vs · Public, Greeley CO

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

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 18.4 years at University of Northern Colorado, on median earnings of $52,093 vs $52,231 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMetropolitan State University of DenverUniversity of Northern Colorado
Net price / yr$15,327$17,760
Total net cost$61,308$71,040
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,093$52,231
Median debt$21,500$20,470
Payback16.4 yrs18.4 yrs
20-year net return$13,352$6,380

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 Northern Colorado?

Metropolitan State University of Denver, at $15,327 a year after aid versus $17,760 — a gap of $2,433 a year, or $9,732 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 Northern Colorado graduates earn more?

University of Northern Colorado graduates report a median $52,231 ten years after entry, $138 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 Northern Colorado?

University of Northern Colorado: its completers carry a median $20,470 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Metropolitan State University of Denver, a difference of $1,030. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

51% of students finish at University of Northern Colorado, 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 University of Northern Colorado: frequently asked questions

Is Metropolitan State University of Denver or University of Northern Colorado a better value?
Metropolitan State University of Denver. It clears its $61,308 net cost in about 16.4 years versus 18.4 years at University of Northern Colorado, on median earnings of $52,093 vs $52,231 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University of Denver or University of Northern Colorado?
Metropolitan State University of Denver: $15,327/yr net price after aid versus $17,760/yr at University of Northern Colorado — a difference of $2,433 a year, or about $9,732 over four years.
Do Metropolitan State University of Denver or University of Northern Colorado graduates earn more?
University of Northern Colorado graduates earn a median $52,231 ten years after entry, versus $52,093 at Metropolitan State University of Denver — a $138 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.