Head-to-head comparison
Metropolitan State University of Denver vs Colorado State University Global: which has better ROI?
Option A Denver, CO
Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Net price / year
- $15,327
- Earnings, 10 years
- $52,093
- Payback
- 16.4 yrs
Option B Denver, CO
Colorado State University Global
- Net price / year
- $16,510
- Earnings, 10 years
- $76,813
- Payback
- 2.3 yrs
Colorado State University Global has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,040 in 2.3 years versus 16.4 years at Metropolitan State University of Denver, on median earnings of $76,813 vs $52,093 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Colorado State University Global |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,327 | $16,510 |
| Total net cost | $61,308 | $66,040 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,093 | $76,813 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 16.4 yrs | 2.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $13,352 | $503,020 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Colorado State University Global?
Metropolitan State University of Denver, at $15,327 a year after aid versus $16,510 — a gap of $1,183 a year, or $4,732 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do Metropolitan State University of Denver or Colorado State University Global graduates earn more?
Colorado State University Global graduates report a median $76,813 ten years after entry, $24,720 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.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Colorado State University Global?
Metropolitan State University of Denver: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Colorado State University Global, a difference of $3,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.