Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Metropolitan State University of Denver in Denver, CO with Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is larger than Central Washington University based on total student enrollment (18,453 students vs. 10,811 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Metropolitan State University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Metropolitan State University of Denver 14:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Central Washington University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Metropolitan State University of Denver than Central Washington University ($14,584 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Washington University are 1.8% lower than at Metropolitan State University of Denver ($16,480 vs. $16,785).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver is 18.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $1,707 more per year; $11,124.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.5% higher at Metropolitan State University of Denver than at Central Washington University (about $3,158 more per year; $30,684.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Washington University than at Metropolitan State University of Denver (85% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Metropolitan State University of Denver students is 11.3% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($9,813 vs. $8,816).

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Central Washington University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Central Washington University and Metropolitan State University of Denver.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Washington University (1040) is 30 points higher than at Metropolitan State University of Denver (1010).
• Incoming Metropolitan State University of Denver students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Metropolitan State University of Denver 880/1130; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Metropolitan State University of Denver 17/26; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Metropolitan State University of Denver - Test optional; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University of Denver Jul 1, 2027; Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Central Washington University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.08) than students at Metropolitan State University of Denver (3.03).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver has a higher acceptance rate (98.8%) than Central Washington University (90.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.1% at Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Metropolitan State University of Denver and Central Washington University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Central Washington University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Metropolitan State University of Denver's (21%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $3,513 lower median loan debt than Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates ($20,737 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates ($214 vs. $250).
• More Central Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University of Denver students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 47%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.