Understanding Metropolitan State University of Denver Tuition and Fees

Choosing a university is a significant decision, and understanding the costs involved is a crucial part of the process. Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) offers a variety of programs and opportunities, and this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of its tuition, fees, and related financial considerations. This includes a breakdown of tuition costs, mandatory fees, and other expenses to help prospective students and their families plan their finances effectively.

Tuition Costs: In-State vs. Out-of-State

Metropolitan State University of Denver's tuition differs significantly based on residency. For in-state students, the tuition is $10,780, while out-of-state students face a higher tuition of $29,503. When compared to the national average cost of in-state tuition, which is $12,422, MSU Denver is more affordable for residents. Similarly, for out-of-state students, the tuition is lower than the national average of $29,767. These figures represent the sticker price, which includes both tuition and mandatory fees.

Mandatory Fees: A Detailed Breakdown

In addition to tuition, students at MSU Denver are required to pay several fees that support various campus services and facilities. These fees are assessed per credit hour and can add up to a significant portion of the total cost of attendance. All fees are subject to change. Fees apply to all courses taken for credit, including online courses. The following is a detailed breakdown of these fees:

Activity Fee: $4 per credit.
Student Center Fee: $8.50 per credit. This fee supports the construction, maintenance, and operation of the student center. The amount is determined by the Student Senate and is assessed to all students.
Technology Fee: $14 per credit. This fee supports student computer labs and other technology directly related to instruction. It is assessed to all students.
MSUSA Fee: $0.80 per credit. This fee goes to the Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA) and is determined by the MSUSA Minnesota State College and University System Board of Trustees. The funds are used for statewide activities representing students.
Healthcare/Health Services Fee: $2 per credit. This fee covers the cost of providing healthcare services to students. It was approved by the Student Senate and supports contracted healthcare services and a staff member who helps students access healthcare.
Parking Fee: $13 per credit. This fee is assessed to students, faculty, staff, and visitors who use the Metro State University Parking Ramp in St. Paul and park at contracted lots. It covers the construction, maintenance, and operation of the parking ramp and other parking costs. The rate is set after consultation with the Student Senate. The City of Saint Paul required the university to build the parking ramp before allowing construction of the Jason R. Carter Science Education Center. The ramp is financed with state revenue bonds, which require parking fees to cover debt service, maintenance, and operations. At the time the ramp was built, the student body leadership voted to assess the parking fee for all students, including those taking only online courses. This allows students access to campus to visit the library, Gateway Student Services, advisors, and take advantage of a number of other student services.

Total Cost of Attendance: Beyond Tuition and Fees

While tuition and fees are significant expenses, they are not the only costs students must consider. The total cost of attendance includes these direct costs, as well as indirect costs such as food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

Direct Costs: These are expenses that students pay directly to the university, such as tuition and fees and on-campus housing. These costs will be billed to your MSU Denver account.
Indirect Costs: These are educational-related expenses such as books and supplies, transportation, personal expenses, and off-campus housing and food.

Understanding the total cost of attendance is crucial for budgeting and financial planning. The initial estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) for an academic year assumes full-time enrollment for the fall and spring semesters. The estimates are provided for general planning purposes only and are based on guidelines from the Department of Education, the Colorado Department of Education (CDHE), and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS).

Net Price: Understanding Your Actual Cost

The net price is the actual amount a student pays to attend a college after taking into account grants and scholarships. It is calculated by subtracting the total amount of grants and scholarships a student receives from the college's cost of attendance. The net price is a personalized estimate, as it depends on individual financial circumstances and the college's financial aid policies.

At MSU Denver, the average net price is $13,727 per year. This figure represents the average cost for students after financial aid is applied. To get the most accurate estimate of your net price, it is recommended to use the college’s Net Price Calculator.

Differential Tuition and Course-Specific Fees

In addition to the standard tuition and fees, students may encounter differential tuition and course-specific fees.

Differential Tuition: This is an additional cost per credit for specific programs or courses that require additional resources beyond the base tuition rate, such as specialized equipment, supplies, technology, software, or accreditation standards.
Course-Specific Fees: Some courses may include fees for specific materials, such as lab kits, subscriptions, licenses, supplies, or special equipment/tools.

Students should check the details of their programs and courses to understand if they are subject to differential tuition or additional fees.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Financial aid is available to help students cover the cost of tuition and fees. Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA. 65% of students receive financial aid.

Average Aid Package: The average aid package awarded is $12,011.
Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: Scholarships and grants do not need to be paid back. The average need-based scholarship or grant award is $10,145.
Need-Based Loan Amount: Loans must be paid back. The average need-based loan amount is $3,959.
Debt at Graduation: The typical amount of loans a student must pay back is $24,785.

Important Financial Aid Dates

Priority Application Due: June 1. Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. It is still advisable to apply for financial aid even if you miss this due date.

Payment Policies and Deadlines

As a student, you are responsible for paying all tuition, fees, fines, and other costs imposed by the university. When you register for classes, space in those classes is reserved for you. Decisions about how many class sections to offer and other commitments of instructional resources are made based on the enrollment data provided after the registration process is complete. The university will not automatically cancel your registration for nonpayment. If you do not drop your courses through the Student Hub, your name will appear on the class rosters, and you will remain responsible for full tuition and fees until such time as you drop your courses. Please keep your part of the registration contract.

Students are expected to review their account history available on the Student Hub prior to and after registering for classes and before the tuition payment deadlines each semester. A Student’s failure to review their student account or receive any billing statement is not valid grounds for waiving service charges or removing registration, diploma or transcript holds. You will not receive a paper billing statement. The IRS Tax Form 1098-T, which reports tuition and related expenses, will also be available electronically. Full payment of tuition and fees is due by that semester’s payment deadline. Any unpaid balance as of payment deadline will incur a 4% service charge. You are responsible for verifying the balance of tuition and fees. You may access your account using the Student Hub. Log into the Student Hub portal and select My Services/Registration.

Accounts not paid in full by the last day to drop classes are considered past due. Delinquent accounts will be turned over to a collections agency in accordance with Colorado law; collection costs will be added to your account balance. A pre-payment hold will be placed on all accounts with bankruptcy discharged adjustments.

Third-Party Sponsorships

P.O. Third-party Sponsor Authorization Forms must be turned into the Office of the Bursar by Payment Deadline. Sponsored students are responsible for all service charges incurred due to late submission of required documents. Sponsored students are also responsible for all charges not covered by their sponsorship as well as any payments refused, or deemed non-collectable, by their sponsor. Third-party sponsors will not be billed for tuition and fees until after the last date to add/drop classes.

Tuition and Fee Appeals

The Tuition and Fee Appeal process is available to students who may warrant an exception to institutional Drop/Refund policies due to extenuating circumstances such as severe medical illness, an employment situation beyond their control or the death of an immediate family member during the Semester. The University will not accept appeals for charges incurred more than 1 year prior to the application for appeal.

Special Considerations for Senior Citizens

Minnesota Residents, age 62 or older, are entitled without payment of tuition to enroll for courses on a space availability basis. A senior citizen is a legal resident of Minnesota who has reached 62 years of age before the beginning of any term in which a course of study is pursued, or a person receiving a railroad retirement annuity who has reached 60 years of age before the beginning of the term, as defined in Minn. Stat. § 135A.51. If you are 62 or older and want to audit courses at Metro State, you will need to complete a visiting student application. If you are a 62 or older and want to pursue a degree, you will need to complete a degree-seeking application for the program in which you want to enroll.

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