Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Denver, Colorado
99.1% Acceptance Rate
Metropolitan State University of Denver — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
99.1%Acceptance Rate
3.03Avg GPA
1014Avg SAT
20Avg ACT
$22,825Annual Cost
$52,093Grad Salary
35.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
99.1%
Avg GPA
3.03
Avg SAT
1014
Avg ACT
20
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
880–1110
ACT Middle 50%
17–23
Avg Net Price
$14,294
Need-Based Aid
35.1% receive Pell
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public, metropolitan institution that is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of a diverse, urban, and working student population. Admissions prioritize professional readiness, academic preparedness, and potential for community contribution. The university seeks motivated students who are ready to balance their academic responsibilities with professional planning and who are eager to leverage the university's industry-linked curriculum.
Prospective students should highlight their maturity, career focus, and consistency in academic work. Demonstrating a clear approach to one's future professional goals is key, as the university emphasizes connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences. The admissions committee values applicants who are proactive, focused, and ready to participate in a collaborative campus culture that prioritizes student success and the development of the whole person within a supportive, urban academic setting.
Metropolitan State University of Denver Acceptance Rate
Metropolitan State University of Denver maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 99.1%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 99.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.03 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.83 – 3.02
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.58
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Metropolitan State University of Denver GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Metropolitan State University of Denver is 3.03. This suggests moderate selectivity.
A mix of A's, B's, and some C's is common. Higher SAT/ACT scores can compensate for a lower GPA.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.23-3.43 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.73 and 3.03, aim for a strong standardized test score.
Metropolitan State University of Denver GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Metropolitan State University of Denver utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.03, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.03 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.83 – 3.02
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.63 – 2.82
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.62
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver or Metro State) is a public open-access four-year university on the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver, CO; founded 1965 by state statute as an opportunity school required to maintain accessibility and low tuition. Enrollment: 17,111 undergraduate + 1,225 graduate students (fall 2025). Acceptance rate: approximately 99%. No application fee, no essay required, no letters of recommendation for undergraduate admission. Test-optional (ACT/SAT considered but not required). Rolling admissions; FAFSA school code 001360. Colorado College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend reduces per-credit cost for Colorado residents.
- Auraria Campus shared with University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) and Community College of Denver (CCD) - three entirely separate institutions with separate admissions, tuition, degrees, and financial aid. Shared facilities include Auraria Library (busiest academic library in Colorado), Tivoli Student Union (reclaimed 1869 brewery), Salazar Wellness Center, Lynx Crossing housing (very limited, apply January 1+). MSU Denver College of Business is AACSB-accredited; BS Computer Science and BS Computer Information Systems are ABET-accredited.
- MSU Denver is Colorado's first university to advocate for DREAMer in-state tuition (ASSET bill). 53%+ students of color; recognized Hispanic Serving Institution. Approximately 80% of students work while enrolled. Named #5 Most Innovative Schools and #93 Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News. WUE tuition (150% of in-state rate) available for eligible Western states residents. March 1 annual scholarship priority deadline (AcademicWorks platform, auto-match general application). CASFA required for undocumented/DACA students seeking state financial aid.
- Signature programs: Aviation and Aerospace Science (40+ years, pilot training through space commercialization, separate endowed scholarship pool - contact Prof. Tyler Bachelder); School of Hospitality (Selfridge-Kalal scholarship); Golda Meir Center for Political Leadership (housed in the only remaining U.S. residence of former Israeli PM Golda Meir, a Denver landmark on campus); College of Aerospace, Engineering, Computing and Design. NCAA Division II athletics (Roadrunners); 2000 and 2002 Men's Basketball national championships; 2004 and 2006 Women's Soccer national championships.
- The Rigor Metric: At Metropolitan State University of Denver, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Metropolitan State University of Denver's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Metropolitan State University of Denver Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Metropolitan State University of Denver Without SAT or ACT?
Metropolitan State University of Denver considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Metropolitan State University of Denver Average SAT Score: 1014
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Metropolitan State University of Denver is 1014 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1014 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1014 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1110 SAT or 23 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Metropolitan State University of Denver allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 880, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 485 | 430 | 540 |
| SAT Reading | 510 | 450 | 570 |
| SAT Composite | 1014 | 880 | 1110 |
It means that if you have scored less than 880 then you are below most of the admitted students at Metropolitan State University of Denver and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1110 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000
Can I get into Metropolitan State University of Denver with a 1100 SAT?
With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Metropolitan State University of Denver are good but the admission staff at Metropolitan State University of Denver tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Metropolitan State University of Denver ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Metropolitan State University of Denver is 20.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 20 — Less Competitive
This score makes Metropolitan State University of Denver less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 20 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 20 | 16 | 24 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 20 | 17 | 23 |
Can I get into Metropolitan State University of Denver with a 23 ACT?
A 23 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Metropolitan State University of Denver — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Metropolitan State University of Denver use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Metropolitan State University of Denver — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Metropolitan State University of Denver uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 23 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Metropolitan State University of Denver
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Metropolitan State University of Denver provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
MSU Denver Is Structurally Required by State Law to Be Accessible and Affordable - Its Open-Access Mission Creates Real Constraints and Real Advantages Counselors Must Understand
Metropolitan State University of Denver was founded in 1965 specifically as Colorado's "opportunity school" - and by statute, it is required to maintain accessibility and among the lowest tuitions of any four-year Colorado college. This is not a marketing claim but a legislative mandate. The practical result for students is a 99% acceptance rate (per U.S. News and IPEDS data), no application fee, no essay requirement, and no letters of recommendation for general undergraduate admission. Test scores (SAT/ACT) are optional and considered but not required. The admissions process is GPA-and-transcript driven, with rolling decisions. This open-access structure also means that MSU Denver serves a largely non-traditional student population: approximately 80% of students work while enrolled, 53%+ are students of color, MSU Denver is a recognized Hispanic Serving Institution, and a significant share are first-generation college students. Counselors placing students at MSU Denver should understand that the peer environment, campus culture, and academic support infrastructure are designed for working adults and commuters rather than the traditional residential college experience - Lynx Crossing, the shared dormitory with CU Denver and Community College of Denver, has very limited space and requires early January application.
The Auraria Campus Is Shared With CU Denver and Community College of Denver - Three Separate Institutions, One Physical Campus, Entirely Different Degree Programs
MSU Denver shares the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver with the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) and Community College of Denver (CCD). All three institutions share facilities including the Auraria Library (the busiest academic library in Colorado), the Tivoli Student Union (a reclaimed 1869 brewery), the Salazar Wellness Center, and Lynx Crossing housing. But they are entirely separate institutions with separate tuition, separate degrees, separate admission processes, separate academic programs, and separate financial aid. Students sometimes arrive at Auraria assuming they have access to CU Denver programs because they attend MSU Denver - this is incorrect. MSU Denver offers over 100 majors across six colleges: Business (AACSB-accredited), Aerospace, Engineering, Computing and Design; Health and Human Sciences; Letters, Arts and Sciences; Education; and Hospitality. CU Denver offers a separate and differently structured set of programs at a higher tuition rate. Knowing which programs are offered by MSU Denver versus CU Denver is essential before advising any student on major availability.
Aviation and Aerospace Science Is MSU Denver's Most Structurally Unique Program - and Has Its Own Department-Specific Scholarships Requiring Separate Essays
MSU Denver's Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science has been training pilots, air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers, aerospace professionals, and space commercialization specialists for over 40 years, operating from the Seventh Street Building on the Auraria Campus. The program offers BS degrees in Aviation and Aerospace Science with concentrations in Professional Pilot, Air Traffic Management, Airport Management, Aircraft Dispatch, Space Science, and Space Systems Engineering Technology - an unusually broad aviation and space curriculum for a public urban university. The department manages a dozen separately funded, privately endowed scholarships with their own application requirements, including essays on career goals in aviation (250 words for the Jeppesen Scholarship), GPA minima (2.5+ overall, 3.0+ in aviation coursework for the Mock Scholarship), and proof of intended use for flight-time expenses (Diehl Scholarship). Students interested in Aviation should contact Professor Tyler Bachelder in the AVS department directly in addition to completing the general MSU Denver Scholarship Application by the March 1 priority deadline.
March 1 Scholarship Priority Deadline Is the Annual Target for All MSU Denver Institutional Scholarships - Miss It and You Compete for Depleted Funds
MSU Denver's institutional scholarship application (submitted through the AcademicWorks platform after admission) uses a general application that auto-matches students to scholarships for which they meet minimum eligibility criteria. Students complete one application and the system surfaces relevant awards - including the Reisher Scholarship (for full-time students with unmet financial need and 3.0+ GPA), the President Academic Achievement award (transfer GPA 3.25+, up to $1,000/term), the PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) Scholarship ($1,000/year for Honors Transfer members with 3.5+ GPA), and the Selfridge-Kalal Hospitality Scholarship for School of Hospitality students. The priority deadline is March 1 each year, and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Students who apply late - whether because they enrolled mid-year or simply didn't know the deadline existed - compete for whatever remains after the priority pool is processed. WUE tuition pricing (150% of in-state tuition for residents of 15 eligible western states) is also available for out-of-state students and can be combined with institutional scholarship awards.
Expert Insight:
The most common failure for MSU Denver applicants from outside Colorado is arriving with the assumption that the urban downtown campus provides the same social infrastructure as a traditional residential campus - and discovering that approximately 90% of students commute, on-campus housing in Lynx Crossing is extremely limited and requires a January 1 application opening date to have any realistic chance, and campus life between classes is anchored by urban Denver amenities rather than campus programming. Students who enroll expecting a traditional residential college experience and discover the commuter reality mid-semester frequently transfer out before completing a full year. A second failure specific to transfer students: not requesting transcript evaluation before enrolling in first-semester courses. MSU Denver requires transcripts to be submitted for evaluation, and the transfer credit assessment must be completed before advising appointments can generate an accurate degree plan - students who register without this step frequently duplicate coursework they have already completed elsewhere.
Metropolitan State University of Denver Profile
Full Name
Metropolitan State University of Denver
City
Denver
State
Colorado
ZIP Code
80217-3362
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Metropolitan State University of Denver Degree Worth It?
Getting into Metropolitan State University of Denver can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Metropolitan State University of Denver offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Metropolitan State University of Denver is $71,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.92%.
How much does a degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver is $22,825. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Metropolitan State University of Denver is $14,294.
35.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 29.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Metropolitan State University of Denver and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Metropolitan State University of Denver, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Metropolitan State University of Denver as your choice in the form.
How much does a Metropolitan State University of Denver Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $52,093. An average Metropolitan State University of Denver graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Metropolitan State University of Denver. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton, GA | 994 | 19 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick, GA | 1001 | 18 |
| Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | 973 | 18 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus, GA | 994 | 21 |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | Americus, GA | 998 | 19 |
| Life University | Marietta, GA | 994 | 17 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Metropolitan State University of Denver. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Metropolitan State University of Denver. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
Degree Programs at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Metropolitan State University of Denver →
Frequently Asked Questions About Metropolitan State University of Denver Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $52,093 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $22,825 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
35.1% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Metropolitan State University of Denver is 99.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.03. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.73, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.73, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.63 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.03, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Metropolitan State University of Denver is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1014 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 880–1110.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.