Awards and Recognitions

At Metropolitan State University of Denver, we believe the best university is the one that fits your needs — your goals, your budget, your schedule and the support you need to succeed.

We measure success not by who we exclude, but by the opportunities we create and the success of our graduates. While rankings can provide one perspective, we believe affordability, career outcomes, community impact and social mobility offer a more complete picture of university value.

Students come to MSU Denver because we make higher education accessible and affordable. We offer hands-on learning and classes taught by faculty with real-world experience and strong community and industry connections.

The recognitions, outcomes and distinctions below reflect how MSU Denver delivers on its mission of expanding opportunity and preparing graduates for career and community impact.

MSU Denver was founded on the belief that higher education should be accessible to all who want it. 

The University continues that mission by reducing financial barriers and offering individualized student support. 

• Average annual out-of-pocket tuition and fees for in-state students ≈ $2,600. 

• Nearly 60% of undergraduates receive scholarships or grants. 

• 31% of undergraduates had tuition and fees fully covered in 2024-25. 

• 1,656 high school students earned college credit through dual enrollment programs in 2024-25. 

Programs such as Roadrunner Promise and Tuition Lock help ensure that students can pursue a degree with confidence about cost and value

MSU Denver focuses on preparing students for careers that support long-term economic mobility. The Classroom to Career Hub connects students with experiences, mentors and employers through internships and work-based learning.

Career planning initiatives such as Major Milestones help students map academic pathways and explore careers alongside experiential learning, which supports job placement and career readiness. 

MSU Denver students, alumni and programs strengthen communities and industries across Colorado and beyond. Through partnerships with employers, nonprofits and public agencies, we address workforce needs and community challenges. 

• $953.8 million in annual statewide economic impact
• $11.52 returned to Colorado’s economy for every $1 invested by the state
• 77% of MSU Denver alumni live and work in Colorado, creating a strong alumni network and contributing to the state’s workforce needs. 

• Call Me MISTER program prepares men to serve as educators and role models across Denver’s urban schools. 

• The new Gina and Frank Day Health Institute will strengthen workforce pipelines in critical health care fields. 

• Our curriculum and real-world internship and work opportunities are informed by partnerships with dozens of industry leaders.  

Many MSU Denver programs were developed in partnership with industry and community leaders to address workforce needs and create distinctive learning opportunities. Those include: 

• Aviation and Aerospace Science

• Brewery Operations 

• Colorado’s only four-year Fire and Emergency Management program 

• Affordable Housing Institute 

• Sport Management  

• Undergraduate scientific research through the Bonham Research Laboratory 

• Industrial design taught by working faculty 

Not to mention access to world-class faculty with real-world experience — who teach every class, not teaching assistants. 

MSU Denver is a teaching-focused university where students build meaningful relationships with faculty and gain hands-on learning experiences they can apply beyond the classroom. 

Faculty bring professional expertise and industry partnerships that help students connect higher education to real-world challenges and opportunities. 

• 100% of classes taught by faculty, who bring academic expertise, real-world experience and professional connections into the classroom
• 95% of faculty hold the highest degree in their field
• Students gain opportunities to participate in undergraduate research, community-based learning and Study Abroad programs. 

MSU Denver’s downtown location provides students with access to one of the nation’s most dynamic economic and cultural centers.

• Rated #17 nationally in “Best College Locations” and #1 in Colorado by Niche, MSU Denver combines downtown access and urban vibrancy.  

• Thousands of nearby employers and direct access to internships, networking, and cultural institutions.  

• 14 NCAA Division II teams competing in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.  

• Soon-to-be on-campus housing.  

• ≈ 200 clubs and student organizations. 

• Outdoor recreation and Rocky Mountain access just beyond the city.