Skip to content
  • Top Colleges 2025
  • Colleges of Distinction Award Lists
  • Advice for Students
  • About
Find Schools
Colleges of Distinction: Colorado
2024-2025 Colleges of Distinction badge
2025-2026 Private Colleges of Distinction badge

University of Denver

Denver, Colorado

What drives you?

SHOW MORE

At the University of Denver, we focus on developing the whole person. Curious, creative problem solvers. Compassionate, resilient leaders. Intentional relationship builders. And reflective, purpose-driven practitioners. Our Four-Dimensional Experience supports this holistic development, fostering learning environments in which students not only grow intellectually but also develop their sense of character, well-being, and purpose.

At DU, you won’t just prepare for a career—you’ll dive deep into what drives you academically, personally, and professionally. Here, you’ll build lasting friendships, unlock opportunities, and discover communities of mentorship that support you long after graduation.

Get to know University of Denver

Enrolled female students
54%
 
Enrolled male students
46%
 
Gender Ratio
Full-time faculty
51%
 
Adjuncts
49%
 
Faculty Ratio
$52,596
Full-time tuition cost
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Acceptance rate
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Out-of-state students

College Highlights

Engaged Students
Great Teaching
Vibrant Communities
Successful Outcomes
Admission & Aid
2024-2025 Career Development Colleges of Distinction badge
2025-2026 Business Colleges of Distinction badge
2024-2025 Education Colleges of Distinction badge
2025-2026 Engineering Colleges of Distinction badge
Engaged Students

THE 4D EXPERIENCE
Learning at DU isn’t confined to lectures and labs—it’s rooted in exploration and real-world impact. Whether you’re hiking at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, studying abroad in a global capital, or interning in downtown Denver, you’ll gain the kind of perspective that only comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. And through our holistic approach to student development—what we call the 4D Experience—you’ll be supported as you grow in and out of the classroom.

With the four dimensions—intellectual growth, well-being, character development, and careers and lives of purpose—you’ll make the most of your time at DU and prepare to make a difference in a dynamic world.

STUDY ABROAD
Studying abroad is an important part of the DU experience—a chance to immerse yourself in a new perspective and use that knowledge and understanding to strengthen your studies, your community and your career.

We have a strong commitment to internationalizing undergraduate education, sending students to over 45 countries around the world through over 100 different programs. Over 70% of our students study abroad and DU currently ranks #8 in the nation among doctoral/research institutions for undergraduate participation in study abroad.

RESEARCH & EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The University of Denver is the only private institution in the Rocky Mountain Region to achieve Research 1 (R1) classification. In addition to being passionate educators, our faculty members conduct research and advance knowledge that solves challenges faced by communities in Colorado and far beyond. From the global trends shaping humanity’s future to family well-being and maternal health to robotics and artificial intelligence to improving our legal system—faculty across DU are serving as agents of positive change.

What’s more, our research institutes offer hands-on learning opportunities for DU’s undergraduate students. Working alongside faculty mentors, students gain applicable skills that complement their classroom learning and set them on a course for meaningful lives and careers.

ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY (Fall 2024)
Non-U.S. Citizen: 3.5%
Hispanic/Latinx: 16.5%
Black or African American: 2.9%
White: 64.1%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native: .4%
Asian: 3.6%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 0%
Two or more races: 6.5%
Undisclosed: 2.9%

Great Teaching

FOUNDATION FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
Faculty at the University of Denver are critical to advancing and elevating the 4D model of holistic student learning and development through their teaching, advising, programming and service. Together with our students, we are working towards a shared promise: education should be more than the sum of its individual parts.

That’s why we are committed to empowering our students to design an education that makes sense to them and their individual interests, values, and goals. An education that enables them to connect the dots across their learning, to make sense of who they are and who they want to be, and how they can apply their skills for the greater good. We provide students with a set of key building blocks to maximize their educational experience while also laying a foundation for lifelong learning, engagement, and thriving.

PROFESSORS WHO KNOW YOU
With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll get to know your professors—and they’ll get to know you. It’s the kind of environment that fosters deeper class discussions, close mentorship, and a truly personalized academic experience. DU faculty consistently rank as students’ favorite resource for a reason.

CONSTELLATION OF MENTORS
At DU, you’ll have the support you need to thrive. From academic resources like Student Success Coaching and the Learning Effectiveness Program to long-term planning through Career and Professional Development, our faculty and staff are ready to help you get where you want to go.

Every DU student’s constellation of mentors reflects our commitment to providing a relationship-rich education. Students build a network of support that begins before their first days on campus and includes faculty, staff, alumni, and peers. These mentors and advisors collectively nurture and encourage holistic learning and development throughout a student’s time at DU and beyond.

Vibrant Communities

THE CITY & THE MOUNTAINS
With one campus on the edge of bustling downtown Denver and another in the Rocky Mountains, DU’s dual campus model is built for diverse experiential learning. In the city, you’ll engage with vibrant arts, cutting-edge innovation, real-world internships, and a thriving community. Just two hours away, the Kennedy Mountain Campus gives you space to unplug, reflect and connect—with yourself, with others, and with the natural world. With both campuses at your fingertips, you’ll discover what drives you and how to turn it into real impact.

Denver is one of the fastest-growing big cities in the US and one of best cities in the nation for new careers. It’s not surprising that over 70% of our undergraduates make Colorado their home after graduation!

CAMPUS LIFE
About 70 percent of students come from out of state, meaning our students are eager to build community and make new friends from day one. It also means our campus fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, where students with many diverse backgrounds and perspectives are able to thrive.

Students are required to live on campus during their first two years. Housing options include three residence halls for first-year students, two residence halls for second-year students, and many more options including apartments, affinity housing and the DU Transfer House.

STUDENT ORGS
College isn’t just about the classes you take; it’s about discovering who you are, figuring out what you’re interested in, and making lifelong friends along the way. That’s why DU hosts more than 100 student-run organizations. The largest is the Alpine Club, but our students have found community around all kinds of shared interests and passions. From backpacking to board games, science to spirituality, finance to arts, honor societies and so much more, you’ll find an amazing array of opportunities to get involved.

About 18% of DU students participate in Fraternity and Sorority Life, and many of these students also hold positions in the Undergraduate Student Government, the DU Programming Board (DUPB), Student Media Board and other prominent organizations across campus.

Whether you’re a lifelong athlete or just in it for the fun, DU’s intramural and club sports offer something for everyone. With 40+ active teams to choose from, students can compete at a high level, try out a brand-new sport, or just show up for the postgame snacks and good vibes. It’s all about staying active and making connections.

ATHLETICS
With a record-breaking 10th NCAA title in 2024, DU Men’s Ice Hockey proved what we’ve always known—we’re the best on the ice. But we don’t stop there. Our ski team holds more national titles than any other in the U.S. In 2023, Women’s Gymnastics claimed an NCAA Regional title. And since 2019, five DU programs have powered their way to the Final Four—Men’s Ice Hockey, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Gymnastics, Men’s Lacrosse, and Women’s Lacrosse.

NCAA Division I, Summit League. 18 varsity sports: Basketball (M & W), Golf (M & W), Gymnastics (W), Hockey (M), Lacrosse (M & W), Skiing (M & W), Soccer (M & W), Swimming & Diving (M & W), Tennis (M & W), Triathlon (W), Volleyball (W)

Successful Outcomes

CAREER SERVICES & INTERNSHIPS
Currently ranked #24 for career services (Princeton Review, 2025), DU helps students prioritize career preparedness and define meaningful professional success. Over 78% of undergraduates complete at least one internship before graduating. The Burwell Center for Career Achievement is our central hub for real-world guidance, employer connections, and professional mentorship. But we have career services across every unit on campus and each year, over 90% of our students take advantage of these resources.

At the University of Denver, you’ll prepare for a life of purpose. From day one, you’ll gain the tools to grow your professional network and skill set, all while making a difference in the communities that matter most to you.

DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAMS
If you’re looking to get a step ahead, we offer formal dual degree programs that allow students to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years or less, or a bachelor’s and JD in six years.

Current dual degree opportunities: Accounting, Applied Quantitative Finance, Art History, Bioengineering, Business Analytics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Curriculum, Instruction and Teaching, Electrical Engineering, Emergent Digital Practices, Engineering, Geographic Information Science, Juris Doctor, International Studies, Management, Marketing, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Psychology, Public Policy, Real Estate, Religious Studies, Social Work, Sport Coaching

FIRST DESTINATIONS
At University of Denver, your degree can take you anywhere. Our 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. Check it out here: https://www.du.edu/about/first-destinations.

Admission & Aid

APPLICATION
DU is one of hundreds of colleges and universities in the U.S. and internationally that use the Common Application. Common App simplifies the application process, saving you time and effort. Along with the Common App, we require certain supplemental materials, including:

  • Official high school transcripts and/or official college transcripts
  • Application essay (included in the Common App)
  • Additional letters of recommendation (optional)
  • Official ACT or SAT scores (optional)

TEST SCORES
DU has been test-optional since 2019.

ADMITTED STUDENT ACADEMIC PROFILE (Fall 2025)
Middle 50% Ranges:
Weighted GPA 3.58–4.0
Unweighted GPA 3.4–3.9
SAT Composite 1230–1410
ACT Composite 28–33

COST OF ATTENDANCE (2025-2026)
Tuition $61,848
Fees $1,398
Housing $11,420
Food $7,173
Total $81,839

Contact University of Denver

Contact Admissions

www.du.edu/admission-aid
(303) 871-2036
admission@du.edu

Campus Location

2199 S University Blvd
Denver, CO 80208

(800) 525-9495

Visit University of Denver Online

www.du.edu

Colleges of Distinction

Colleges of Distinction was founded on the premise that there are hundreds of remarkable colleges across the United States, each with a unique strength to offer the next generation of college-bound students. We connect these colleges to curious, talented students.

Best Colleges in the US
Top Affordable Colleges
Best Career Services Colleges
Best Public Colleges
Top Private Colleges
Nursing Colleges of Distinction
Business Colleges of Distinction
Engineering Colleges of Distinction
Colleges in California
Colleges in Illinois
Colleges in New York
Colleges in Pennsylvania

  • Contact Us
  • Nominate a School
  • Media & Release
  • Privacy & Terms
© 2025 Colleges of Distinction

Website made by the MAC

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinedIn
  • TikTok

Are you an adult degree seeker?

Discover Abound