MSU Denver sees growth in full-time students, while overall numbers remain stable
Preliminary enrollment numbers reflect the University’s ongoing efforts to make college accessible and to welcome students from diverse backgrounds.
Metropolitan State University of Denver welcomed nearly 10,000 full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students this year, an increase of nearly 5% over 2025, preliminary data shows.
The 9,933 full-time students represent approximately 66% of degree-seeking undergraduates, up from 63% in 2025, according to preliminary census data.
“The increase reflects progress in University efforts to encourage fuller credit loads and help students maintain momentum toward graduation,” said Megan Scherzberg, Ph.D., associate vice president of enrollment management. “Programs such as Roadrunner Promise and Tuition Lock help make full-time enrollment more affordable and predictable.”
Overall, enrollment remained stable, despite continuing drops in college enrollment nationwide and steep declines in the college-age population. The University’s preliminary census data show total enrollment headcount of 18,010, down 1.8%, or 326 students, from last fall.
Total undergraduate enrollment was 16,797.
State budget cuts impact concurrent enrollment
As expected, concurrent enrollment — high school students taking college-level courses — declined by 204 students, or 12.3%, following state funding cuts affecting the ASCENT program. Growth in the University’s other high school concurrent-enrollment programs partially offset that decline.
Excluding high school students taking courses for college credit, overall undergraduate enrollment dropped only 0.7%
School district partnerships boost first-time enrollment
The number of first-time students increased by 2.1%, to 2,502. That growth reflects the University’s recruitment partnerships with area high schools, said Will Simpkins, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment and student affairs. Through the MSU Denver Connect program, the University has worked with Denver Public Schools, St. Vrain Valley Schools, and the Douglas County and Adams 14 school districts to make higher education more accessible. Graduates from those partner districts who enroll full time receive up to $1,000 during their first academic year, thanks to a grant from the Reisher Scholars Program at The Denver Foundation.
RELATED: More Colorado students will pay less to attend MSU Denver
Gains in Aviation and Aerospace, and in diversity
Within the University, the most significant enrollment gains came in the College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering and Design. This fall, nearly 800 degree-seeking students are enrolled in the College’s Aviation and Aerospace Science program, the University’s second-most popular major. The College of Letters, Arts and Sciences also posted enrollment gains.
Preliminary data show overall undergraduate retention remained near 70%, dipping 0.7 percentage points after two consecutive years of growth.
Overall, MSU Denver continues to serve a diverse undergraduate population:
- The number of Black students grew by nearly 4%, to 1,528
- The number of Hispanic students grew by 0.19%, to 6,336
- Female undergraduate students outnumber male undergraduate students by more than 1,200
- The average age of undergraduates held steady at 24
Full census profiles will be published upon final validation of the data later this month.
Preliminary census data
| Overall headcount | Fall 2025 | Fall 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate headcount | 17,111 | 16,797 |
| Graduate headcount | 1,225 | 1,213 |
| Degree-seeking undergraduates | ||
| Full-time | 9,491 | 9,933 |
| Part-time | 5,629 | 5,077 |
| Retention | ||
| Fall-to-fall retention | 70.4% | 69.7% |
| First-time, full-time fall-to-fall retention | 68.7% | 67.2% |
