Metropolitan State University of Denver vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Denver, CO — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Denver, CO San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 15,002 21,996
Acceptance Rate 98.8% 31.3%
SAT Average 1,019
In-State Tuition $11,124 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $30,684 $34,665
Avg Net Price $15,327 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 30.7% 85.7%
Retention Rate 62.9% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $45,391 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $52,093 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 1194100.0% 437700.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Metropolitan State University of Denver and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
Metropolitan State University of Denver (Denver, CO) has an acceptance rate of 98.8%, in-state tuition of $11,124, and median 10-year earnings of $52,093. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) has an acceptance rate of 31.3%, in-state tuition of $13,596, and median 10-year earnings of $90,768.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Metropolitan State University of Denver or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $52,093. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Metropolitan State University of Denver or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Metropolitan State University of Denver is the more affordable option at $15,327 per year versus $16,665.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.7% vs 30.7%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025