University of Denver
University of Denver is a private nonprofit university in Denver, CO ranked #579 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 6,059 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 71.2%. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Computer Science.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 87.7% first-year retention, and 78.0% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $36,037, about $19,039 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -60.4%, roughly 145.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $57,118. That's about $13,430 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is University of Denver Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Denver graduates 78.0% of students within six years and keeps 87.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Denver's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $59,340 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,049 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,147 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $75,020 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 14.7% of University of Denver students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $20,820 to $46,428 depending on family income. Use University of Denver's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $30,753/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $46,428/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $57,118
- 10-Year Median Earnings $57,118
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 73.1%
- Employment Rate 85.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Denver graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Denver vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Denver's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Denver's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Denver graduates earn $57,118 median, the -60.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 630-710
- SAT Math 610-700
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 29-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 6,059
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 87.7%
- Graduation Rate 78.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into University of Denver
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Denver requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 71.2%, University of Denver is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 71.2% acceptance rate, University of Denver is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1240 and 1410 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Denver undergraduates. Psychology, General, Finance and Financial Management Services, and International Relations and National Security Stud draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 8.6%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 8.6%
- International Relations and National Security Stud 7.4%
- Marketing 6.6%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.4%
- Biology, General 4.4%
See more majors
- Business/Commerce, General 3.4%
- Computer Science 3.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Accounting and Related Services $103,111
- 2. Computer Science $97,801
- 3. Marketing $94,896
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $93,856
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $92,358
- 6. International Business $83,881
- 7. Business/Commerce, General $80,702
- 8. Political Science and Government $72,583
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations $71,247
- 10. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $65,557
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $134,028
- 2. Taxation (Master's Degree) $120,969
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $111,094
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degree) $110,215
- 5. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $106,956
- 6. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $106,631
- 7. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $105,894
- 8. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $100,738
- 9. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $100,676
- 10. Law (First Professional Degree) $96,604
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $103,111—57% more than Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($65,557). Graduate: Business/Commerce, General programs lead with $134,028 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Denver. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Law (First Professional Degree, 233 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 134 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 134 graduates)
- International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 114 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 104 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (57 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Computer Science
- Accounting and Related Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Mechanical Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- International Business
- Economics
- Real Estate
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Criminology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mathematics
- Music
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Geography and Cartography
- Sociology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Public Policy Analysis
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Journalism
- Chemistry
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Philosophy
- Computer Engineering
- Physics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Anthropology
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Social Sciences, Other
- Science, Technology and Society
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Construction Management
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Online Master's Degrees (56 programs)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Psychology, Other
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Economics
- Music
- Geography and Cartography
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biology, General
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Special Education and Teaching
- Public Policy Analysis
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Engineering, Other
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Mathematics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Design and Applied Arts
- Public Administration
- Psychology, General
- Physics
- Computer Engineering
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Engineering, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Nanotechnology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Materials Sciences
- Management Information Systems and Services
- International Business
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Systems Engineering
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
Online Doctoral Degrees (25 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- English Language and Literature, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Psychology, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Physics
- Geography and Cartography
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Biology, General
- Materials Sciences
- Engineering, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Nanotechnology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Computer Science
- Mathematics and Statistics, Other
- Engineering, Other
- Systems Engineering
- Business/Commerce, General
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (31 programs)▼
- Geography and Cartography
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Social Work
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- International/Global Studies
- Music
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Administration
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- International Business
- English Language and Literature, General
- Economics
- Systems Engineering
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Marketing
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Law
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 6,059
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.9%
- Female Students 55.1%
- Caucasian 68.0%
- Asian 3.8%
- Hispanic 13.7%
- Black 2.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 14.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Denver's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Denver's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Denver support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Denver, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 14.7% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Denver support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Denver, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Denver offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -60.4% ROI. Ranked #579 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $36,037 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $57,118 median earnings. With 78.0% graduating within six years and 87.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of Denver's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #579 ranking, University of Denver competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $36,037 annually, University of Denver charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 87.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $25,226 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -60.4% ROI and $57,118 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $26,037+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of Denver ranks #579 of 1966 institutions, with 1486 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 78.0% six-year graduation rate sits 15.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 87.7% first-year retention is 10.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -60.4% return on investment is 145.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $57,118 run about 31% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $36,037 is roughly $16,128 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 87.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.5% employment rate within three years sits 17.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $36,037 is about $16,128 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 14.7% trails the national share by 18.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Denver is a private nonprofit university based in Denver, CO and earns a B+ overall grade. It is currently ranked #579 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion A-, Support A-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 87.7% retention and 78.0% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -60.4% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $36,037 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $75,020.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $38,983 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 14.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $57,118 at the median. That sits about 31% above the national median.
Roughly 85.5% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -60.4%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
71.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Denver admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Denver, CO 80208
- Website www.du.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$990.3M