University of Denver Admissions: Everything You Want to and Need to Know
Overview of the University of Denver
The University of Denver is a private research institution situated about seven miles from downtown Denver. The institution offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs and 120 graduate degree programs. A robust student/faculty ratio backs students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations. In athletics, the University of Denver Pioneers play primarily in the NCAA Division I Summit League. Winter sports such as skiing and hockey are particularly strong at DU.
Enrollment
- Total Enrollment: 11,952 (5,801 undergraduates)
- Gender Breakdown: 46 percent male/54 percent female
- 96 percent full-time
Cost of Attendance Information
- Tuition and Fees: $52,515
- Books: $1,200
- Room and Board: $13,437
- Other Expenses: $2,940
- Total Cost: $70,092
Financial Aid Information
- Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 88 percent
- Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
- Grants: 87 percent
- Loans: 41 percent
- Average Amount of Aid
- Grants: $29,667
- Loans: $6,854
Academic Programs Offered
- Most Popular Majors: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Social Sciences; Psychology; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; and Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Retention and Graduation
- First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 88 percent
- 4-Year Graduation Rate: 67 percent
- 6-Year Graduation Rate: 77 percent
NCAA Athletic Programs
- Men’s Sports: Basketball, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Skiing-Snowboarding, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis
- Women’s Sports: Basketball, Golf, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, Skiing-Snowboarding, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Volleyball
Overview of University of Denver Admissions
The University of Denver, which accepts just over half of applicants, has a competitive admissions pool. The institution is test-optional, meaning that students can choose whether or not to submit scores from the SAT or ACT. It has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. Applicants must complete an online application. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the application process’s next steps. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.
Admissions Data
Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, the University of Denver had an acceptance rate of 56%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 56 students gained admission, making DU’s admissions procedure competitive.
SAT Requirements and Scores
Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, 56% of students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals that of those students who provided scores Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, most of University of Denver’s students fall within the top 35% nationally on SAT. 50% of admitted students scored between 590 and 690 on the evidence-based reading and writing part, while 25% scored under 590 and 25% scored over 690. 50% of students scored between 580 and 680 on the math part, while 25% scored under 580, and 25% scored over 680. While the SAT is not optional, this data reveals that a cumulative SAT score of 1370 or higher is competitive for the University of Denver.
ACT Requirements and Scores
Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, 56% of students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that of those who provided scores Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, most of DU’s students fall within the top 18% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of admitted students to the University of Denver received a cumulative ACT score between 26 and 31, while 25% scored over 31, and 25% scored under 26.
GPA
In 2019, the middle 50% of the University of Denver’s incoming class had high school GPAs between 3.6 and 4.0. 25% had a GPA of over 4.0, and 25% had a GPA under 3.6. Successful applicants to the University of Denver have A grades primarily.
Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission
If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for the University of Denver, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If the University of Denver is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.
University of Alabama, Colorado State University, Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, California State University Long Beach
Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission
If you’re a competitive candidate for the University of Denver, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Drexel University, Syracuse University, United States Military Academy, Penn State University Park, University of Cincinnati, Hofstra University
Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge
These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than the University of Denver. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.
University of California, Santa Barbara, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Washington, Stony Brook University, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, University of Connecticut, University of California, Irvine
Applying to the University of Denver
Application Deadline: January 15
Undergraduate Admissions Website:
https://www.du.edu/admission-aid/undergraduate
Undergraduate Application Link(s):
https://www.du.edu/admission-aid/undergraduate/how-to-apply
Graduate Admissions Website:
https://www.du.edu/admission-aid/graduate
Graduate Application Link(s):
https://gradadmissions.du.edu/apply/