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For more than 50 years, Metropolitan State University of Denver has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in higher education.


We empower Colorado’s students to advance their lives and careers through high-quality, real-world education. And we power the state economy through our 95,000 work-ready graduates, more than 80% of whom stay in Colorado. Based in the heart of the Mile High City, MSU Denver provides unparalleled access to internships and professional networks that jump-start careers.


 

 Roadrunner Fast Facts


Opened: 1965

University type: Public, modified open enrollment

President: Janine Davidson, Ph.D.

Provost: Bill Henry, Ph.D.

Mascot: Rowdy the Roadrunner 

Number of NCAA Division II sports teams: 16 

Conference: Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference 

City: Denver  
Location: Auraria Campus, shared with two other institutions 
Number of students: Nearly 20,000 
Number of alumni: 95,000 
Percent of resident students: 95% 

Academic Programs

Start your possible with a comprehensive baccalaureate degree or certificate; or master your future with one of our graduate programs.


Majors


8

Graduate programs


34

Certificates


Check out all of our academic offerings >


Opportunity

Students walking around Auraria Campus.At MSU Denver, we see higher education as the foundation of the American dream.
If you are willing to put in the work, you should have an opportunity to get ahead. Period. Regardless of where you’ve been, we can help you get to where you want to go.

Student stats:

  • More than 95% of our students are from Colorado
  • 46% of undergraduates are students of color
  • 56% of MSU Denver undergraduates are the first in their family to go to college
  • The average undergrad is 25 years old
  • 54% of our undergraduates transfer to MSU Denver
  • Nearly 80% of our students work full or part time
  • 46% of enrolled students receive scholarships or grants
  • MSU Denver serves 8,529 Pell-eligible students, more than any other public institution in the state.

Excellence

MSU Denver offers high-quality education without the high-end price tag.
Our classes are taught by noted academics, national experts and industry icons. And they build hands-on learning into every course, which helps students become career-ready, critical thinkers who companies want to hire.


99% classes taught by faculty, not teachers assistants

99%

classes taught by faculty, not teachers assistants

No. 5 most innovative university in the West, U.S News and World Report

No. 5

most innovative university in the West, U.S News and World Report

70% of registered MSU Denver students voted in the 2018 midterm elections. The national average for college students is 55%

70%

of registered MSU Denver students voted in the 2018 midterm elections. The national average for college students is 55%

 

Innovation

At MSU Denver, we never settle.
We believe that the key to great education is always adapting to meet the needs of today’s students and the needs of society. That’s why we connect classrooms to careers through cutting-edge learning spaces and partnerships with some of Colorado’s leading companies. Here's what is possible:


Create a major that fits your career interests through our Individualized Degree Program.

Get an internship at one of 636 organizations through our innovative Classroom to Career Hub.

Study in a Health Institute that integrates 10 disciplines to educate highly skilled leaders in health.

Learn to design, build and fly satellites for course credit.

Learn through experience in Colorado’s only on-campus hotel, brewery and wine-cellar management lab.

Study the way that works for you – in person, online or both through our Online Learning Program.

Recent Recognitions


Diversity Champion

Diversity Champion

Diversity is a core value at MSU Denver. We believe our differences make us stronger and work hard every day to make sure that our campus is a welcoming and inclusive place for all people.
Best For Vets 2020

Best for Vets

MSU Denver is regularly ranked as a top school for serving those who serve, with 1,207 current and former military members on campus.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Accreditation logo

AACSB accreditation

Only 5% of business schools worldwide earn this distinction. It’s one of many reasons our College of Business is the best value in Colorado.
Graphic reads,

Hispanic-Serving Institution

MSU Denver was designated as an HSI by the U.S. Department of Education for its commitment to educating Latino students, who make up 30% of the total student population.

 


The Roadrunner Difference

In the early days of the University, students dubbed themselves “Roadrunners” because they sprinted across downtown Denver’s busy streets to get to classes. In 1974, students voted to make the Roadrunner the University’s official mascot. Over the years, the MSU Denver Roadrunner has come to signify more, including these five characteristics shared by every graduate of the University. 

 


 

Diverse: They come from every background imaginable and learn to be broad-minded by grappling with a variety of experiences and viewpoints.

Tenacious: They are determined to succeed and achieve. If they get knocked down, they get back up.

Primed: They have career-ready skills and a deep knowledge of the issues and dynamics that shape the workforce.

Purposeful: They want to use their education to make change. Every degree earned has a ripple effect, spreading benefits across the metro area and beyond.

Entrepreneurial: They don’t settle for walking on well-worn trails. They reimagine what is possible for themselves and their communities. 


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