Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. New Mexico Highlands University

Comparable Facts

Compare Metropolitan State University of Denver in Denver, CO with New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is larger than New Mexico Highlands University based on total student enrollment (18,453 students vs. 2,704 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Metropolitan State University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); New Mexico Highlands University is in Las Vegas, NM (Remote Town setting).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. New Mexico Highlands University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Metropolitan State University of Denver 14:1; New Mexico Highlands University 10:1.

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. New Mexico Highlands University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Metropolitan State University of Denver or New Mexico Highlands 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 New Mexico Highlands University than Metropolitan State University of Denver ($11,062 vs. $14,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at New Mexico Highlands University are 39.7% lower than at Metropolitan State University of Denver ($10,116 vs. $16,785).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver is 50% more expensive for in-state tuition than New Mexico Highlands University (about $3,708 more per year; $11,124.00 vs. $7,416.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 148.7% higher at Metropolitan State University of Denver than at New Mexico Highlands University (about $18,348 more per year; $30,684.00 vs. $12,336.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at New Mexico Highlands University than at Metropolitan State University of Denver (91% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Metropolitan State University of Denver students is 0.9% larger than aid received by New Mexico Highlands University students ($9,813 vs. $9,722).

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. New Mexico Highlands University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Metropolitan State University of Denver or New Mexico Highlands 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 New Mexico Highlands University and Metropolitan State University of Denver.

• New Mexico Highlands University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Metropolitan State University of Denver 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Metropolitan State University of Denver 17/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Metropolitan State University of Denver - Test optional; New Mexico Highlands University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University of Denver Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman New Mexico Highlands University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Metropolitan State University of Denver (3.03).

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. New Mexico Highlands University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Metropolitan State University of Denver and New Mexico Highlands 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).

• The graduation rate at Metropolitan State University of Denver is the same as at New Mexico Highlands University (21% vs. 21%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University of Denver earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than New Mexico Highlands University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $36,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, New Mexico Highlands University graduates have a $11,248 lower median loan debt than Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates ($13,002 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, New Mexico Highlands University graduates have an estimated $116 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates ($134 vs. $250).
• More Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former New Mexico Highlands University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 42%)

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.