MSU Denver vs UNC-Greeley

Metropolitan State University of Denver and University of Northern Colorado, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Colorado, offer distinct educational experiences. Metropolitan State, located in the heart of Denver, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on urban studies and professional fields. In contrast, University of Northern Colorado, situated in Greeley, excels in teacher education, nursing, and the arts, attracting students seeking a more traditional college town atmosphere. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and student success, their acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates vary, making it essential for prospective students to delve into the comparison table to find the institution that best aligns with their aspirations and goals.
Metropolitan State University of Denver logo

Metropolitan State University of Denver

University of Northern Colorado logo

University of Northern Colorado

Overview

Location Denver, Colorado Greeley, Colorado
Campus setting City: Large City: Midsize
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% 69.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 88.8% 91.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range 910 - 1140 970 - 1210
ACT range 18 - 24 19 - 27
Students submitting SAT score 32.0% 29.0%
Students submitting ACT score 8.0% 8.0%
Total number of applicants 11,306 10,152
Total number of admissions given out 10,042 9,252
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,832 1,256
Yield rate 18.2% 13.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $30,721

Out of state: $48,202
In state: $27,308

Out of state: $40,427
Average net price $14,195 $17,128
Tuition
In state: $8,280

Out of state: $25,761
In state: $8,127

Out of state: $21,246
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,546

Meal plan: $5,606
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Other alternative tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

61.0%
Average amount $6,912
98.0%
Average amount $8,308
Students receiving federal student loan 57.0%
Average amount $5,116
49.0%
Average amount $4,866
Students taking out private loans 2.0%
Average amount $10,638
5.0%
Average amount $12,652

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 16,515
Men 44.1% Women 55.9%
7,357
Men 32.9% Women 67.1%
Graduate students 1,163
Men 21.6% Women 78.4%
2,991
Men 24.5% Women 75.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 2.4% 15.4%
International students 0.7% 1.6%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity N/A 3,542
First year students are required to live on campus? N/A No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Colorado California Texas Arizona Florida Colorado California Texas Arizona New Mexico

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Business
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
Students to faculty ratio 19:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 29.8% 51.9%
Dropout rate 26.8% 12.7%
Transferred out 37.3% 33.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,592
  • Year 2: $93,076
  • Year 3: $97,134
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,550
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $71,265
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,692
  • Year 2: $59,688
  • Year 3: $64,765
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,641
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $62,395
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,682
  • Year 2: $57,995
  • Year 3: $60,883
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,199
  • Year 2: $50,231
  • Year 3: $52,879
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,408
  • Year 2: $45,665
  • Year 3: $52,808
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,601
  • Year 2: $48,198
  • Year 3: $49,964
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,018
  • Year 2: $46,738
  • Year 3: $48,853
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,825
  • Year 2: $42,979
  • Year 3: $46,903

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) and the University of Northern Colorado (UNC)?

    MSU Denver is primarily a commuter school located in the heart of downtown Denver, offering a more urban and career-focused experience. UNC, located in Greeley, provides a more traditional residential campus environment with a stronger emphasis on teacher education and a broader range of graduate programs. MSU Denver is known for its accessibility and affordability, while UNC offers a wider array of research opportunities and a more comprehensive campus life.

  • Which university is more affordable: MSU Denver or UNC?

    MSU Denver generally has lower tuition rates than UNC, especially for undergraduate students. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors like housing, meal plans, and personal expenses. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules and to consider your individual financial situation.

  • Where are MSU Denver and UNC located?

    MSU Denver is located in downtown Denver, Colorado, offering students access to the city's vibrant cultural scene, job opportunities, and entertainment. UNC is located in Greeley, Colorado, a smaller city about an hour north of Denver. Greeley offers a more relaxed and community-oriented environment.

  • Which university is better known for teacher education?

    UNC has a long-standing and well-respected reputation for its teacher education programs. It's historically been a teachers' college and continues to be a leader in preparing educators for all levels. While MSU Denver also offers teacher education programs, UNC's are generally considered more established and comprehensive.

  • What is campus life like at MSU Denver compared to UNC?

    MSU Denver's campus life is geared towards commuter students, with a focus on clubs, organizations, and events that cater to students who may not live on campus. UNC offers a more traditional residential campus experience, with a greater emphasis on on-campus housing, dining, and social activities. UNC has a stronger sense of campus community due to the higher percentage of residential students.

  • Which university has a larger student body?

    MSU Denver generally has a larger student body than UNC. This means MSU Denver may offer a wider variety of courses and programs, but class sizes might be larger in some cases. UNC's smaller size can foster a more close-knit community and potentially more personalized attention from faculty.

  • What types of academic programs are offered at MSU Denver and UNC?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. MSU Denver excels in career-oriented programs such as business, aviation, and hospitality. UNC is strong in education, health sciences, and performing arts. It's best to explore the specific programs offered by each university to see which aligns best with your academic interests.

  • Does MSU Denver or UNC offer more research opportunities?

    UNC generally offers more research opportunities, particularly at the graduate level. As a larger, more research-focused institution, UNC has more resources and faculty engaged in research projects. While MSU Denver also offers research opportunities, they may be more limited in scope.

  • Which university is more diverse?

    MSU Denver is known for its diverse student body, reflecting the demographics of the Denver metropolitan area. UNC also has a diverse student population, but MSU Denver tends to have a higher percentage of students from underrepresented groups.

  • How do the athletic programs compare between MSU Denver and UNC?

    MSU Denver competes in NCAA Division II athletics, while UNC competes in NCAA Division I athletics. This means UNC's athletic programs are generally more competitive and receive more funding and attention. If you're interested in participating in or following Division I sports, UNC might be a better fit. If you prefer Division II athletics, MSU Denver is a good choice.

  • What are the admission requirements for MSU Denver and UNC?

    Admission requirements vary depending on the program and your academic background. Generally, MSU Denver has more open admission policies, making it more accessible to a wider range of students. UNC may have more selective admission criteria, particularly for certain programs. Check the admissions websites of both universities for specific requirements and deadlines.

  • Which school is better for students who want to live in a city?

    MSU Denver is the clear choice for students who want to live in a city. Its downtown Denver location provides easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and job opportunities. UNC's location in Greeley offers a more suburban or small-town feel.

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