Academic Comparison between CU Boulder and Metropolitan State University of Denver

University of Colorado Boulder and Metropolitan State University of Denver are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Colorado

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • CU Boulder has more expensive tuition & fees ($42,970) than Metropolitan State University of Denver ($30,684).
  • It is harder to admit to CU Boulder than Metropolitan State University of Denver.
  • CU Boulder has a higher submitted SAT score (1,340) than Metropolitan State University of Denver (1,010).
  • CU Boulder has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Metropolitan State University of Denver (22).
  • CU Boulder has more students with 38,799 students while Metropolitan State University of Denver has 18,453 students.
  • Metropolitan State University of Denver has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while CU Boulder's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • CU Boulder has more full-time faculties with 1,616 faculties while Metropolitan State University of Denver has 577 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
CU Boulder Metropolitan State University of Denver
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Colorado Bouldervs.Metropolitan State University of Denver
Boulder, ColoradoLocationDenver, Colorado
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$15,214
Out-Of-State$42,970
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,124
Out-Of-State$30,684
49%% Receiving Financial Aid53%
$12,072Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,917
78.08 %Acceptance Rates98.80 %
14.15 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.12 %
1,340SAT Score1,010
31ACT Score22
74 %Graduation Rate32 %
16 %Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate63 %
38,799Student Population18,453
1,616Number of Faculties577
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare