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Return on Investment Analysis

Metropolitan State University of Denver ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Metropolitan State University of Denver costs about $43,120 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $45,391 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 4.1 years (20-year ROI: 382%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$43,120

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$10,391/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

4.1 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

382%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Metropolitan State University of Denver has a high acceptance rate of 99.1% and a student body of 14,932. The in-state tuition is $10,780. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $44,523, increasing to $45,391 after five years, and $52,093 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $21,500, and 29.6% of students receive financial aid.

The data indicates a positive return on investment. The one-year earnings are more than four times the tuition cost. The median debt is less than the one-year earnings.

The graduation rate is 29.5%, and the retention rate is 70.4%. The provided data does not include the debt-to-income ratio or the break-even timeline.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$10,780

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

Median Earnings (5yr)

$45,391

Graduation Rate

30%

Receive Financial Aid

30%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Social Work $43,120 $56,600 902%
Research and Experimental Psychology $43,120 $41,630 208%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $43,120 $59,641 1043%
Biology, General $43,120 $46,814 448%
Accounting and Related Services $43,120 $82,543 2105%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $43,120 $43,488 294%
Criminal Justice and Corrections $43,120 $48,873 543%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $43,120 $70,699 1556%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $43,120 $46,387 428%
English Language and Literature, General $43,120 $41,406 197%
Marketing $43,120 $57,726 954%
Air Transportation $43,120 $60,475 1082%
Health and Medical Administrative Services $43,120 $56,618 903%
Management Information Systems and Services $43,120 $72,945 1660%
Hospitality Administration/Management $43,120 $45,468 386%
Finance and Financial Management Services $43,120 $69,537 1502%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $43,120 $0 N/A
Human Services, General $43,120 $42,319 239%
Nutrition Sciences $43,120 $45,546 389%
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies $43,120 $49,202 559%
Education, General $43,120 $50,821 634%
History $43,120 $37,394 11%
Fine and Studio Arts $43,120 $41,899 220%
Political Science and Government $43,120 $44,120 323%

Peer Comparison

Metropolitan State University of Denver Current

382%

20yr ROI

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

395%

20yr ROI

Southern Connecticut State University

306%

20yr ROI

Western Michigan University

238%

20yr ROI

Governors State University

361%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$43,120
Median Debt$21,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$43,120

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Metropolitan State University of Denver has an estimated 20-year ROI of 382%. The total 4-year cost is $43,120 and graduates earn a median of $45,391 within 5 years.

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

Back to Metropolitan State University of Denver Colleges in Colorado Compare Schools ROI Rankings