CSU Pueblo vs MSU Denver

Colorado State University Pueblo and Metropolitan State University of Denver, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Colorado, offer unique educational experiences tailored to diverse student aspirations. CSU Pueblo boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader range of applicants, while MSU Denver maintains a more selective admissions process. In terms of academic offerings, CSU Pueblo excels in engineering, nursing, and business, while MSU Denver shines in fields like criminal justice, public administration, and hospitality. CSU Pueblo's student body comprises a larger proportion of undergraduates, while MSU Denver hosts a more balanced mix of undergraduate and graduate students. Both universities boast impressive graduation rates, preparing their students for successful careers or further academic pursuits. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into specific data points and discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and preferences.
Colorado State University Pueblo logo

Colorado State University Pueblo

Metropolitan State University of Denver logo

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Overview

Location Pueblo, Colorado Denver, Colorado
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 63.0% 63.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 99.2% 88.8%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $35
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $50
SAT range 940 - 1130 910 - 1140
ACT range 18 - 25 18 - 24
Students submitting SAT score 44.0% 32.0%
Students submitting ACT score 9.0% 8.0%
Total number of applicants 2,054 11,306
Total number of admissions given out 2,037 10,042
Admitted students who chose to enroll 603 1,832
Yield rate 29.6% 18.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $28,158

Out of state: $34,812
In state: $30,721

Out of state: $48,202
Average net price $14,013 $14,195
Tuition
In state: $6,539

Out of state: $13,193
In state: $8,280

Out of state: $25,761
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,250

Meal plan: $4,920
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

96.0%
Average amount $8,875
61.0%
Average amount $6,912
Students receiving federal student loan 82.0%
Average amount $4,627
57.0%
Average amount $5,116
Students taking out private loans 5.0%
Average amount $11,564
2.0%
Average amount $10,638

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 3,928
Men 46.1% Women 53.9%
16,515
Men 44.1% Women 55.9%
Graduate students 2,182
Men 22.0% Women 78.0%
1,163
Men 21.6% Women 78.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 18.9% 2.4%
International students 1.3% 0.7%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Large
Dormitory capacity 699 N/A
First year students are required to live on campus? No N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Colorado Texas California New Mexico Arizona Colorado California Texas Arizona Florida

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Business
Students to faculty ratio 15:1 19:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 38.6% 29.8%
Dropout rate 36.0% 26.8%
Transferred out 21.8% 37.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $107,031
  • Year 2: $96,539
  • Year 3: $105,115
Engineering, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,886
  • Year 2: $61,303
  • Year 3: $72,280
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,232
  • Year 2: $60,967
  • Year 3: $64,565
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,814
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $56,578
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,034
  • Year 2: $54,254
  • Year 3: $54,108
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,971
  • Year 2: $43,957
  • Year 3: $47,663
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,565
  • Year 2: $37,568
  • Year 3: $44,612
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $41,714
  • Year 2: $40,281
  • Year 3: $43,349
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,791
  • Year 2: $35,274
  • Year 3: $41,554
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,345
  • Year 2: $31,854
  • Year 3: $40,704
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,483
  • Year 2: $72,790
  • Year 3: $83,404
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,535
  • Year 2: $61,516
  • Year 3: $70,061
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,241
  • Year 2: $58,131
  • Year 3: $68,317
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,003
  • Year 2: $54,254
  • Year 3: $66,636
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,686
  • Year 2: $62,922
  • Year 3: $64,216
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,437
  • Year 2: $56,415
  • Year 3: $64,125
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,154
  • Year 2: $57,770
  • Year 3: $61,122
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,504
  • Year 2: $51,551
  • Year 3: $58,317
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,409
  • Year 2: $48,376
  • Year 3: $55,676
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,189
  • Year 2: $44,356
  • Year 3: $54,984

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences in location and campus environment between Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo) and Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver)?

    CSU Pueblo is located in Pueblo, Colorado, offering a more traditional, residential campus experience with a focus on outdoor activities and a close-knit community. MSU Denver is situated in downtown Denver, providing an urban campus environment with easy access to city amenities, internships, and a diverse student body. The atmosphere at MSU Denver is generally more commuter-focused.

  • How do the tuition and costs compare between CSU Pueblo and MSU Denver?

    Generally, both universities offer relatively affordable tuition rates compared to other four-year institutions. However, specific costs can vary depending on residency status, chosen programs, and living expenses. It's recommended to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, as well as estimated living costs.

  • What are the strengths of the academic programs at CSU Pueblo?

    CSU Pueblo is known for its strong programs in engineering, nursing, and teacher education. They also have a growing focus on programs related to the outdoors and recreation management, leveraging their location. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience.

  • What academic programs are MSU Denver particularly strong in?

    MSU Denver excels in programs related to business, criminal justice, aviation, and the arts. Its location in Denver provides students with excellent opportunities for internships and networking in these fields. They also have a strong focus on providing access to higher education for a diverse student population.

  • How does the student body differ between CSU Pueblo and MSU Denver?

    CSU Pueblo typically has a smaller student body, fostering a more intimate learning environment. MSU Denver has a significantly larger and more diverse student population, reflecting the demographics of the Denver metropolitan area. MSU Denver also serves a larger population of non-traditional students.

  • What are the opportunities for student life and extracurricular activities at CSU Pueblo?

    CSU Pueblo offers a range of student clubs, organizations, and intramural sports. The campus environment encourages a strong sense of community, with opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and skiing, due to its proximity to the mountains. They also have a Division II athletic program.

  • What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at MSU Denver?

    MSU Denver provides a wide array of student clubs, organizations, and intramural sports, reflecting the diverse interests of its student body. Students have easy access to Denver's cultural attractions, professional sports teams, and a vibrant social scene. They also have a Division II athletic program.

  • How do the career services and internship opportunities compare at CSU Pueblo and MSU Denver?

    Both universities offer career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. MSU Denver, due to its location in a major metropolitan area, provides more extensive internship opportunities, particularly in business, technology, and the arts. CSU Pueblo also offers internship opportunities, often focused on fields related to their program strengths and the local community.

  • Which university is better for students seeking a traditional college experience?

    CSU Pueblo is generally a better fit for students seeking a more traditional, residential college experience with a strong sense of community and a focus on outdoor activities. The campus environment is more conducive to on-campus living and a close-knit student body.

  • Which university is better for students who prefer an urban environment and greater access to professional opportunities?

    MSU Denver is the better choice for students who prefer an urban environment and desire greater access to professional opportunities, internships, and a diverse student body. Its location in downtown Denver provides numerous advantages for career development and cultural experiences.

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