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University of Denver

Denver, CO·Private nonprofit·6,025 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $65,400 within 10 years; strong 76% graduation rate.

78%
Accept
6,025
Students
$36,131
Net Price
76%
Grad Rate
$65,400
Earnings
10 yr
$21,844
Debt

About This School

University of Denver is a private nonprofit institution located in Denver, Colorado with approximately 6,025 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Denver has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 78%. The average net price after financial aid is $36,131 per year. The graduation rate is 76%, and the typical graduate earns $65,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Denver (DU) is a private research university in Denver, Colorado, United States. Founded in 1864, it had an enrollment of approximately 6,600 undergraduate students and 6,200 graduate students in 2024. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research spending and doctorate production". The 125-acre (0.51 km2) main campus is a designated arboretum and is located five miles (8 km) south of downtown Denver.

Worth considering if you want a mid-sized private university experience in one of the country's most desirable cities — the 88% freshman retention rate signals that students who arrive tend to stay and feel connected. At $36,037/year after aid, it's a significant investment, but the $18,000 median debt at graduation is relatively manageable, and median earnings of $65,400 a decade out suggest reasonable returns. The 71% acceptance rate means it's accessible, but make sure the fit — academically and financially — is genuinely there before committing.

Founded
1864
Setting
Large city
Avg Faculty Salary
$13,010

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing32%
Social Sciences16%
Psychology12%
Biological Sciences10%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Computer Science6%
Communications6%
Engineering4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Condoleezza RiceMichelle KwanRuth HandlerNeil SimonSultan bin Salman Al SaudRobin HobbMike EnziSinbadChris BroderickJohn Edward WilliamsDavid MalpassPhil Heath

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1355
Reading 75th %ile710
Math 75th %ile700

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite29

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$61,398
Out-of-State Tuition
$61,398
Avg Net Price
$36,131
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$20,097
$30–48k$16,211
$48–75k$22,940
$75–110k$31,759
$110k+$47,222

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants14%
Median debt at graduation$21,844

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
76%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
89%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$65,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,844
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$54,700
Female graduates$45,200

Gap: 17% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,844
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$49,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$65,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White67%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino14%
Asian4%
Two or more races6%
International3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (6,025 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Denver

2199 S. University Blvd

Denver, CO 80208

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Colorado

Browse all Colorado schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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