Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Fort Hays State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Metropolitan State University of Denver in Denver, CO with Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is larger than Fort Hays State University based on total student enrollment (18,453 students vs. 12,878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Metropolitan State University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); Fort Hays State University is in Hays, KS (Remote Town setting).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fort Hays State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Metropolitan State University of Denver 14:1; Fort Hays State University 15:1.

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Fort Hays State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Fort Hays State 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 Fort Hays State University than Metropolitan State University of Denver ($13,186 vs. $14,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fort Hays State University are 45.7% lower than at Metropolitan State University of Denver ($9,120 vs. $16,785).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver is 87.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fort Hays State University (about $5,201 more per year; $11,124.00 vs. $5,923.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73% higher at Metropolitan State University of Denver than at Fort Hays State University (about $12,943 more per year; $30,684.00 vs. $17,741.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fort Hays State University than at Metropolitan State University of Denver (92% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Metropolitan State University of Denver students is 45.4% larger than aid received by Fort Hays State University students ($9,813 vs. $6,751).

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Fort Hays State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Fort Hays State 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 Fort Hays State University and Metropolitan State University of Denver.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fort Hays State University (1060) is 50 points higher than at Metropolitan State University of Denver (1010).
• Incoming Metropolitan State University of Denver students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Fort Hays State University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Metropolitan State University of Denver 880/1130; Fort Hays State University 970/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Metropolitan State University of Denver 17/26; Fort Hays State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Metropolitan State University of Denver - Test optional; Fort Hays State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University of Denver Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fort Hays State University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Metropolitan State University of Denver (3.03).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver has a higher acceptance rate (98.8%) than Fort Hays State University (90.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.1% at Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. 41.8% at Fort Hays State University.

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Fort Hays State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Metropolitan State University of Denver and Fort Hays State 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).

• Fort Hays State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Metropolitan State University of Denver's (21%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University of Denver earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Fort Hays State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have a $3,532 lower median loan debt than Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates ($20,718 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates ($214 vs. $250).
• More Fort Hays State 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.