U

University of Denver

PrivateCity: Large

About University of Denver

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

The University of Denver is a private research university in Denver, Colorado. It is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region and offers strong programs in business, international studies, law, and engineering.

Founded

1864

Location

Denver, Colorado

Students

12,224

Institution

Private

Known For

International StudiesKorbel SchoolBusiness ProgramsOldest in Rockies

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

77.8%

Open admission

Graduation Rate

75.6%

Near national average

Tuition

$61,398

Per year

Avg Net Price

$36,131

After financial aid

SAT Average

1355

Out of 1600

Median Earnings

$71,155

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
77.8%

Moderate

Most students who apply are accepted

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Optional

Application Fee

$65

Early

Nov 1

Regular

Jan 15

University of Denver accepts the majority of applicants at 77.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.

SAT Scores

1355/ 1600

850790730670610550
600
Math: 600
640
R&W: 640
25th
700
Math: 700
710
R&W: 710
75th
Math
Reading & Writing

ACT Scores

29/ 36

393633292623
28
25th: 28
25th
29
Avg: 29
Avg
33
75th: 33
75th
25th Percentile
Average
75th Percentile

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
75.6%

Above Average

75.6% complete their degree within six years

Retention

88.9%

4-Year Grad

67%

6-Year Grad

76%

Teaching Quality

8:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

53%

$/Student

$19.9K

Class Size

Small

67% graduate in 4 years, and 88.9% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$61,398

Annual Tuition

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$17,759

Books & Supplies

$1,000

Total Cost of Attendance

$78,476

After Financial Aid

$36,131

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$20,097

Receive Grants

14.3%

Take Loans

27.9%

The total cost of attendance runs about $78,476/yr, including $17,759 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $36,131.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Denver fund their education.

While in School

14.3%

Get Grants

Free money

27.9%

Take Loans

Must repay

$80,202

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$21,844

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$232/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Only 27.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,844. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Denver.

Gender

54.9%

Female

/

45%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

66.9%
14.4%
6.4%
3.8%
3%
2.9%
White
Hispanic
Multiracial
Asian
Black
International

Enrollment

6,025

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

6,199

Graduates

19%

First-Gen

20 yrs

Avg Age

8.7%

Age 25+

The campus has a balanced gender split (55% women, 45% men). 19% are first-generation college students.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
City: Large

City: Large

Campus Quick Facts

6,025

Students

private

Institution

Medium

Campus Size

R1 Research

Classification

What This College Offers

Quarter calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

No

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

Yes

Evening College

Yes

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

University of Denver fields 11 varsity teams with 372 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division I without football

Conference

The Summit League

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

11

Biggest: Lacrosse

Student Athletes

372

6% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

52% / 48%

193

Men

/

179

Women

8

Men's Teams

10

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
84
Lacrosse
68
Soccer
62
Swim & Dive
30
Basketball
26
Skiing

Every Varsity Team

Lacrosse84Soccer68Swimming & Diving62Basketball30Skiing26Ice Hockey25Golf20Tennis18Gymnastics15Volleyball15Other Sports9

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of University of Denverearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$71,155

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$57K
6yr
$61K
8yr
$71K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Psychology, General

$32K

163 grads

1yr Earnings

Finance and Financial Management Services

$56K

104 grads

1yr Earnings

International Relations and National Security Studies

$41K

101 grads

1yr Earnings

Communication and Media Studies

$36K

91 grads

1yr Earnings

Biology, General

$36K

70 grads

1yr Earnings

Marketing

$50K

68 grads

1yr Earnings

Earnings grow steadily here: $57K at six years, $61K at eight, and $71K by ten. Well above average at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about University of Denver

What is the acceptance rate at University of Denver?
University of Denver has an acceptance rate of 77.8%. University of Denver accepts the majority of applicants at 77.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
How much does University of Denver cost?
Tuition at University of Denver is $61,398 for in-state students and $61,398 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance runs about $78,476/yr, including $17,759 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $36,131.
What is the graduation rate at University of Denver?
University of Denver has a graduation rate of 75.6%. 67% graduate in 4 years, and 88.9% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
How much do University of Denver graduates earn?
The median earnings for University of Denver graduates is $71,155 ten years after enrollment. Earnings grow steadily here: $57K at six years, $61K at eight, and $71K by ten. Well above average at every stage.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.