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Head to head · Colorado

Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver costs less than Colorado State University-Fort Collins at every income band federal data covers — between $778 and $5,941 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeColorado State UniversityMetropolitan State University of DenverDifference
Under $30k$13,259$12,481$778 · Metropolitan State University of Denver
$30–48k$14,460$12,436$2,024 · Metropolitan State University of Denver
$48–75k$15,905$14,927$978 · Metropolitan State University of Denver
$75–110k$21,927$19,539$2,388 · Metropolitan State University of Denver
Over $110k$29,763$23,822$5,941 · Metropolitan State University of Denver

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Colorado State University-Fort Collins$92,422
Metropolitan State University of Denver$82,357
Difference over four years$10,065

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate89% · 99%
Average SAT— · 1019

Listed Colorado State University first, then Metropolitan State University of Denver. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$60,543 · $52,093
Graduate in four years47% · 12%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$20,000 · $21,500

Again Colorado State University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Colorado State University-Fort Collins — every income band · Metropolitan State University of Denver — every income band · All Colorado public colleges