Overview
Denver, CO 
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From DU
At the University of Denver, students build the skills, knowledge, and perspective needed to thrive in a dynamic world and excel in meaningful careers. From our world-class faculty and facilities in the city of Denver to our campus in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, our Four-Dimensional Experience means we invest in every dimension of our students’ personal and professional development. At DU, we ignite academic excellence, foster exceptional character, architect powerful career readiness and nurture whole-body well-being.
Small class sizes, a focus on experiential learning, top-ranked study abroad programs and a strong and supportive alumni base help our students build the foundations needed to design lives and careers that lead to big impacts and positive changes. As one of the smallest private R1 institutions in the nation, we empower students to solve the challenging problems of our time and make new discoveries in our labs and our communities. And with our flexible quarter system, students are easily able to explore and pursue multiple majors and minors across disciplines, choosing from over 100 academic areas of study.
DU boasts 100 student organizations, 18 Division I athletic programs (including our ten-time national championship men’s hockey team), and 30 club and 20 intramural sports.
Events & Resources
Friday@DU
Our Friday@DU half-day visit programs offer a more in-depth view of life at DU and include an information session, student panel, campus tour, and lunch on us!
Sample Schedule (times subject to change):
9:00am: Information Session
10:00am: Current Student Panel
10:30am: Campus Tour
12:00pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (optional)
1:00pm: Academic Meetings (optional and subject to availability)
Virtual Visit
Our live virtual info sessions last approximately one hour and give you the opportunity to interact with current students and staff who will introduce you to life as part of the DU community.
Upcoming dates include August 5, September 16, September 30, October 14, October 28, November 12 and December 16, 2024.
FIRST@DU
FIRST@DU in the Dean of Students Office supports first-generation, minoritized and other historically underrepresented students succeed through community activities, mentorships, academic workshops, resource referrals, leadership development, scholarship assistance and more.
Learning Effectiveness Program
The Learning Effectiveness program was founded in 1982 as an academic support program for University of Denver students with learning disabilities. Our mission is to support learning and neurodiversity by providing students opportunities and resources for personal growth, academic skill building, and connection.
Working under the Dean of Student's office in Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence, the Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) has developed some of the most comprehensive and innovative support services provided at the post-secondary level. Our nationally recognized program serves over 350 students each year.
University
City
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Affordability Overview
From DU
When applying to the University of Denver, you and your family might have a lot of questions about how you’ll cover the costs of tuition, housing and other expenses. Our office is dedicated to helping each family create a strategy that works for them.
Along with grants and scholarships, loans and work-study are commonly included in aid offers. Your academic profile and financial need will both factor into the type and amount of financial aid you receive. Your financial aid offer will likely include a combination of these different types of aid and can come from various sources, including the University and federal and state governments.
99% of new undergraduates receive one of our annual merit scholarships, ranging from $12,000 to $33,000 each year. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply for admission.
To apply for need-based aid, students must submit both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. Our average need-based financial aid offer for first-year students is $51,002.
Scholarships Overview
From DU
Grants and scholarships are funds you receive that are applied directly to the cost of your education. They come in two types: need-based and merit-based. Eligibility for need-based scholarships is determined by your financial aid application and takes into account you and your family’s financial situation. To be considered for need-based aid, students must submit both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic success or other accomplishments. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply for admission to DU.
$81,993
$47,256
$34,737
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$81,993for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at Denver is $81,993. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Denver would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
University of Denver Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at University of Denver need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for University of Denver is 001371.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
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Pell Grants at University of Denver
16% of students at University of Denver receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to University of Denver.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Denver students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Admissions
Admissions Overview
From DU
At the University of Denver, you’ll be part of a culture that enriches every member of the DU community and advances the greater good. Our students are diversely talented and find many ways to contribute outside of academia, whether it’s through sports, the arts, community service, employment or student government.
Overall, our committee takes a holistic approach in considering a number of factors when shaping our class each year. While academic success is the main factor in our admission decisions, we value your essays and letters of recommendation, as well as your extracurricular activities. These help us learn how you can make a difference during your time at DU and how you’ll impact our community. DU has been test-optional since 2019.
You can apply to the University of Denver using the Common App at commonapp.org. You have the full support of the DU admission office. We’ll help to ensure the process is smooth so you can focus on your future.
DU offers both binding and non-binding options for both of our deadlines – Regular Decision and Early Action are non-binding, while Early Decision I and Early Decision II are both binding decisions that offer additional perks to applicants.
If you are considering applying Early Decision, DU Early Decision incentives include:
- Additional $5,000 annual merit scholarship
- DU meets full demonstrated need of top performers
- Earlier admission and financial aid notifications
- Stronger consideration for admission
78%
29
1258 is the median SAT score and 29 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Denver. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Is Denver test-optional?
University of Denver is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into University of Denver?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to University of Denver receive between a 28 and a 32 on their ACT, or a 1175 and a 1360 on their SAT.
Early Action
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Denver?
Students must apply by January 15 to enroll at Denver during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Denver students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 1.
You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of January 15.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Denver, remember that the deadline is November 1.
Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Denver?
Applying to Denver with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.
Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision
Should I apply Early Action at Denver?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
8:1
Graduation Rate
77%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
35%
35% of graduates
Social Sciences
15%
15% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
10%
10% of graduates
Psychology
8%
8% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
8%
8% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
7%
7% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Engineering
4%
4% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
2%
2% of graduates
Physical Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Mathematics
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
5,986
Pell Grant 15%
Undergrad Students Over 25 6%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 5%
Percent Male / Female 45% / 55%
Ethnic Diversity at Denver
69% White
13% Hispanic
6% Multiracial
4% Asian / Pacific Islander
3% International / Non-Citizen
3% Black
2% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes Overview
From DU
At University of Denver, your degree can take you anywhere. Our annual First Destinations outcomes report highlights the first step on our students’ paths after graduation. Every year we report on data such as average salaries and top employment industries that not only highlight our graduates’ success, but illustrate how DU’s 4D Experience can truly lead to a career—and life—of purpose.
DU undergraduates reported the highest levels of employment in technology; education; hospitality and tourism; and real estate and construction, followed by financial services; health and human services; healthcare products and services; and accounting. Undergrads who decided to continue their education went into fields of study including finance, law, business analytics, accounting and more.
Each and every year for the past six years, undergraduates who took advantage of internships were more likely to report being employed after six months—and their starting salaries were $5,900 higher. And with more than 80% of DU graduates from the last three years reporting that they participated in an internship by graduation, it’s clear that gaining professional experience while enrolled in classes puts our students head and shoulders above the rest.
Graduate Income
$71,155
Median Debt $21,844
Debt 10 years after graduation $232
Graduation Rate 77%
What is the graduation rate at University of Denver?
77% of students who start at University of Denver end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 19% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of University of Denver go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at University of Denver, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $71,155. This is $20,764 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Denver take out in loans?
Graduates of Denver have to take out a median of $21,844 in federal student loans. This is $8,344 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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University of Denver
