Overview
Founded in 1965 as Metropolitan State College, MSU Denver was established to expand access to higher education in the Denver metro area and became a university in 2012. It shares the Auraria Campus with the Community College of Denver and the University of Colorado Denver, creating one of the largest urban higher education complexes in the country. The institution has built a reputation for affordability, flexibility, and practical career preparation, particularly serving first-generation, working, and transfer students.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Denver, Colorado |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Total students | 17,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 18:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Open admission |
| Graduation rate | 34% |
| Average starting salary | $48,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $8,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,000 |
| Room & board | $13,000 |
| Average financial aid | $7,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.0 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Aviation and Aerospace Science
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Hospitality Management
- Cybersecurity
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.