MSU Denver sees continued growth, enrolls more than 18,000 students for fall semester

Metropolitan State University of Denver welcomed more than 18,000 students to campus this fall — a 3.1% increase over last year’s enrollment that exceeds expectations and reflects University-wide efforts to recruit, retain and support students.  

MSU Denver enrolled 18,336 students — 17,111 undergraduates and 1,225 graduate students — reflecting steady growth in both categories, according to the University’s recently released fall census, an annual measure of enrollment and demographic trends.

This marks the third consecutive year of enrollment gains, signaling MSU Denver’s strong appeal to Colorado students seeking accessible, career-relevant education.  

The growth is also the result of intentional strategies tied to the University’s 2030 Strategic Plan and focus on recruitment and retention, which fuel a “flywheel” of compounding success, said MSU Denver President Janine Davidson, Ph.D.   

“Our ongoing efforts to fuel the flywheel continue to build momentum and an environment where our students thrive,” Davidson said.  

Earlier this year, budget and data managers had projected flat enrollment for this fall. The increase means additional revenue for the University that helps the institution weather state funding cuts announced last month. 

Other highlights and trends from this year’s census include: 

More first-time and returning students 

• The University continues to attract new students while retaining those already enrolled.  Since fall 2024, undergraduate enrollment is up 3.1%; graduate program enrollment is up 3.6%.  

• First-time-in-college enrollment rose 14.4%, while retention among all degree-seeking students increased 1.7%, from 69.1% to 70.8%. Continuing and readmitted students make up about two-thirds, or 66.1%, of the undergraduate population. 

A diverse and inclusive student body 

• Students of color make up 56.9% of undergraduates, about the same percentage reported in last year’s census . Hispanic students remain the largest group at 37%, underscoring MSU Denver’s status as a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution. 

• Meanwhile, 95.8% of undergraduates and 92.1% of graduate students are Colorado residents, reaffirming the University’s deep commitment to serving the state. 

• MSU Denver’s support for first-generation students continues to show in the data. More than half (53.2%) of students are among the first generation in their families to attend college.  

• The average undergraduate student age remains 24.4 years, a figure that has held steady over several years, while the average graduate student age is 32.5. 

• Undergraduates are enrolled in an average of 10.6 credit hours, consistent with previous years. 

Davidson said the University’s steady enrollment and retention gains show the flywheel effect at work — every course taught, every question answered and every student supported adds momentum. Faculty and staff members continue to drive that progress, keeping students moving toward graduation and helping the University deliver on its mission. 

“This shows what we can do when we work together to achieve our goals,” Davidson said.