Metropolitan State University of Denver
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$43,120
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,391/yr
vs 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 low graduation rate of 29.5%. The retention rate is 70.4%. The median debt for students is $21,500, and 29.6% of students receive financial aid.
The average earnings for graduates one year after graduation is $44,523. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $45,391, and ten years after graduation, earnings are $52,093. The in-state tuition cost is $10,780.
Based on the provided data, a simple calculation of the debt-to-income ratio one year after graduation is approximately 0.48. The break-even timeline, based on the difference between one year's earnings and tuition, is less than one year.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $43,120 | $41,630 | 208% |
| Biology, General. | $43,120 | $46,814 | 448% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $43,120 | $59,641 | 1043% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $43,120 | $43,488 | 294% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $43,120 | $64,453 | 1266% |
| Social Work. | $43,120 | $56,600 | 902% |
| 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% |
Peer Comparison
382%
20yr ROI
395%
20yr ROI
306%
20yr ROI
238%
20yr ROI
361%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.