Metropolitan State University of Denver maintains affordable pricing that supports its mission of educational access. The published cost of attendance reaches $22,825 annually, including $10,780 for in-state tuition, $12,045 for room and board, and $1,460 for books and supplies.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $22,825 |
| Tuition and Fees | $29,503 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,460 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,531 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,294 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,364 |
| $30–48k | $12,005 |
| $48–75k | $13,276 |
| $75–110k | $19,263 |
| $110k+ | $21,812 |
Metropolitan State University of Denver maintains affordable pricing that supports its mission of educational access. The published cost of attendance reaches $22,825 annually, including $10,780 for in-state tuition, $12,045 for room and board, and $1,460 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $29,503, though many students qualify for reduced non-resident rates.
However, the average student pays just $14,294 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,531 compared to the sticker price. This net price falls slightly above the peer median of $15,590 by $1,296, indicating costs remain competitive within MSU Denver's institutional category. The financial aid system effectively reduces costs across income levels, with net prices ranging from $12,364 for the lowest-income students to $21,812 for highest-income families.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
MSU Denver graduates manage reasonable debt levels that support long-term financial stability. Median student debt reaches $21,500, comparing favorably to peer institutions where median debt averages $20,000.
The $1,500 difference above peers remains modest and reflects MSU Denver's student demographics and program mix. Debt distribution ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $26,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating substantial variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 suggests manageable repayment scenarios, with typical graduates able to service loans within standard timeframes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,192 with monthly payments of approximately $187, indicating moderate family borrowing to supplement student financial aid packages.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
MSU Denver delivers solid educational value through the combination of controlled costs, reasonable debt levels, and meaningful earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $1,840 beyond expectations based on their academic and demographic characteristics, placing the institution in the 63rd percentile nationally for value-added performance.
While median earnings of $52,093 fall $8,450 below peer medians, the modest $1,500 debt premium creates acceptable investment returns for most career paths. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 indicates sustainable borrowing levels that support long-term financial health.
Low-income graduates earning $40,400 demonstrate that educational benefits extend across economic backgrounds, supporting the university's mobility mission. Strong affordability performance at the 75th percentile nationally reflects effective cost management and financial aid targeting.
MSU Denver's financial aid approach aligns with its diverse student demographics and access mission. With 35.1% Pell-eligible enrollment, more than one-third of students receive federal need-based grants, indicating substantial lower-income representation.
The $8,531 average financial aid savings brings published costs down significantly, though the resulting $14,294 net price exceeds some peer institutions by $1,296. Aid effectiveness varies by income level, with the most generous support concentrated among families earning under $48,000 annually.
The progressive aid structure reflects federal and state funding patterns, with need-based grants forming the foundation of most student aid packages. Students from first-generation backgrounds, comprising 40.5% of enrollment, likely benefit from both federal aid programs and institutional support designed for their specific circumstances.
