By Rebecca Lake

Total Cost of Attendance

Founded in 1864, the University of Denver (DU) is a private university known for its 4D approach to learning, which emphasizes helping students to deepen their intellect, develop their wellbeing, discover character, and design careers and lives of purpose.

University of Denver tuition and fees for the 2023-24 academic year were $59,340. This is higher than the national average private university tuition and fees cost of $41,540.

Financial Aid

For the 2022-23 academic year, 99% of undergraduate students at the University of Denver received grant or scholarship aid to help pay for school, with the average award totaling $32,336.

Approximately 15% of DU undergraduates received federal Pell Grants, which are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The average Pell Grant was $5,469.

Explore financial aid options: Colorado Student Loans & Scholarships

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, or nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for open and upcoming grant opportunities grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  SoFi Scholarship Finder – Search thousands of scholarships, grants, and other aid award opportunities and filter for specific criteria, including location and field of study.

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

For the 2022-23 academic year, 5% of first-year undergrads at the University of Denver took out private loans, averaging $26,767 to help cover their college costs.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations, so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school. Federal student loans don’t have to be paid back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for because it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Based on the 2023-2024 tuition and costs, a four-year degree at the University of Denver would be $322,144. This is significantly higher than the average cost for four years at a private university in the U.S., which is $241,680.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

For the 2023-24 academic year, the cost for University of Denver tuition and fees and books and supplies was $60,340. By comparison, the national average annual cost to attend a private university in the U.S. is $41,540.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Graduate students paid $58,347 to attend the University of Denver for the 2023-24 academic year. The average master’s degree student in the U.S. spends $41,026 on school each year, with the typical cost of earning a graduate degree ranging from $44,640 to $71,140, according to EducationData.org.

Students may consider graduate loans along with scholarships, grants, and teaching assistantships to help pay for their degree.

Cost per Credit Hour

The cost per credit hour for undergraduates for the 2025-26 academic year at the University of Denver is $1,718 — up from $1,668 for the 2024-25 school year. Graduate students pay a per credit hour rate of $1,340.

Campus Housing Expenses

Food and housing are the second-largest expenses for University of Denver students after tuition and fees. Students are required to live on campus for the first two years they’re enrolled.

There are seven residence halls and six apartment options at the University of Denver. Housing units are individually designated for different student groups, depending on what year students are in, and whether they are transfer students or not.

Once students complete their two-year residency requirement on campus, they can move off campus if they choose. The University of Denver partners with Apartments.com to help students find affordable off-campus housing in the area.

Off-campus living with family is typically the least expensive housing option for students. The annual cost of attendance for students who live with family is almost $6,000 less than what it costs to live on campus.

University of Denver Acceptance Rate

Compared to other private institutions, the University of Denver has a fairly high acceptance rate. In the fall of 2030, 71% of students who applied were accepted. Of those, 11% enrolled.

Admission Requirements

As part of the University of Denver’s admission standards, students must meet certain requirements. Other factors are optional but will be considered for admissions decisions.

Required:

•   Secondary school GPA

•   Secondary school record

•   Recommendations

•   Personal statement or essay

•   English proficiency test

Not required but considered:

•   SAT/ACT scores

•   Secondary school rank

•   Completion of a college prep program

•   Work experience

•   Legacy status

Students need to apply to DU by November 1 to be considered for Early Decision I and Early Action. January 15 is the application deadline for Early Decision II and Regular Decision. Early Decision I and II are binding and have earlier deposit deadlines.

SAT and ACT Scores

The University of Denver doesn’t require SAT or ACT scores for admissions. However, the school will consider scores if students submit them.

For the 2023-24 academic year, 27% of students submitted SAT scores and 16% submitted ACT scores. In terms of score distribution, 25% of students scored below the 25th percentile while 25% scored above the 75th percentile.

Here’s a closer look at how scores broke down.

Popular Majors at University of Denver

The University of Denver offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs and more than 120 graduate programs. Dual degree programs allow students to work toward multiple degrees at the same pace. These are some of the most popular majors offered.

1. Psychology

Students can earn a BA or BS in psychology at DU and learn research skills as well as academics. They can do clinical work and participate in research labs. The psychology dual degree program allows students to complete a BA/BS and an MA at the same time.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 121

2. Finance

Finance majors learn how to tackle real-world challenges in areas like investments, corporate finance, and international finance, with hands-on learning opportunities. Many graduates go on to work in the banking and wealth management industries, both domestically and internationally.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 102

3. International Relations

This interdisciplinary program focuses on such issues as human rights, democracy, and economic inequality, and is designed to prepare graduates for careers on the global stage. Notable alumni of the international studies school include Condoleezza Rice and General George W. Casey.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 87

4. Strategic Communication

Strategic communication majors learn the skills to work in a variety of communication-related fields, such as public relations, advertising, corporate communication, and marketing.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 72

5. Biological Sciences

The University of Denver offers both BA and BS biology programs, including several specialized options. Students learn an intensive math and science-focused curriculum, with the opportunity to work alongside respected researchers in the field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 65

6. Marketing

Marketing majors can pursue several career tracks, including product and brand management, advertising and promotion, and client relationship management. Students can earn a BA or BS in marketing, or minor in marketing to complement a business or communication major.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 60

7. Computer Science

The computer science program has the distinction of requiring students to complete not one but two minors, one of which must be in mathematics. This program can help students build a solid foundation for continued learning if they are interested in a graduate computer science degree.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 52

8. Business Analytics

Students in this program learn how to use statistics to help drive decision-making. This major is geared toward students with strong mathematical skills and it emphasizes the development of project management abilities.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 44

9. Accounting

DU’s accounting program is designed to prepare students for careers as accountants, controllers, and auditors. Those interested in an advanced degree can enroll in the Master of Accountancy program after graduation, which fulfills the requirements to take the CPA exam.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 43

10. Real Estate

Students considering a career in real estate, property development, or construction management may be drawn to this program which mixes academic and hands-on learning. Students are offered opportunities to pursue internships with local and national real estate and construction firms.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 35

Graduation Rate

For students who started their studies at the University of Denver in the fall of 2017, 69% graduated in four years. The six-year graduation rate was 78%.

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

The median annual earnings for students who graduate from University of Denver is $71,155, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. That’s higher than the average yearly salary for students graduating with a bachelor’s degree, which is $68,680.

By Jennifer Calonia

A 463 credit score is considered poor based on the Fair Issac Corporation (FICO®) credit scoring model. With that score, car loan approvals and other consumer credit lines will be harder to come by compared to borrowers with a higher credit score.

If you’ve wondered whether a 463 credit score is good or bad, here’s what to know.

What Does a 463 Credit Score Mean?

The average credit score in the U.S. is 715, according to Experian®.2 A credit score of 463 is far below that average. In fact, as the chart below shows, it falls within the “poor” range on FICO’s credit rating scale.

A 463 credit score can be a reflection of poor borrowing behaviors — think a history of late or missed payments, defaults, foreclosure, or filing for bankruptcy. Lenders see the three-digit number as a sign that the borrower poses a high financial risk, which makes getting approved for a loan or credit card challenging.

What Else Can You Get with a 463 Credit Score?

Lenders who do extend credit to a borrower with a 463 credit score might impose extra fees, high interest rates, or a reduced loan amount or credit limit. Consumers with that credit score might also be required to put forward a deposit or collateral as a condition of accessing credit. This deposit requirement might also apply to services, like home utilities.

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 463 Credit Score?

Getting approved for a traditional credit card can be difficult with a 463 credit score. An alternative option is getting a secured credit card.

A secured credit card is a tool that allows you to improve your credit by practicing controlled borrowing habits. It requires a small deposit that acts as the card’s credit limit. The card issuer sets your deposit aside as collateral in case you don’t make your monthly card payments.

Another way to access a credit card is by being added to an existing card account as an authorized user. Any activity — including unpaid balances and payment activity — can be reported to the credit bureaus. If you’re actively using the card as an authorized user, maintain responsible spending habits, because all of your card activity directly impacts the primary cardholder and vice versa.

If you have multiple credit card balances that you’re trying to pay off, you may want to consider a credit card consolidation loan. You may be able to get a lower rate, plus making on-time payments can help you repair your credit.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 463 Credit Score?

There’s no minimum credit score required for a car loan, but lenders usually prefer to see borrowers with good credit.

Getting approved for an auto loan with a 463 credit score can be difficult. And the ones you are approved for will likely come with high interest rates.

If you need to buy a car, the lender may require you to have a cosigner on your loan. A cosigner is generally someone who you’re close to and trust — typically, a parent, spouse, or other family member or friend who has strong credit. Having a cosigner can help improve your odds of getting approved and qualifying for lower auto loan rates.

By agreeing to be a cosigner on your auto loan, the individual is agreeing to assume the debt if you fail to make payments. In addition to potentially taking on this financial responsibility, their credit is adversely affected if you miss payments. It’s a substantial commitment, so make sure you and your cosigner are clear on each other’s expectations regarding the loan before entering this arrangement.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 463 Credit Score?

Mortgage lenders set a minimum credit score requirement for mortgage loans. A 463 credit score might be too low to secure a mortgage loan as an individual applicant.

Conventional mortgage loans and Veterans Affairs (VA) loans usually require a minimum 620 score. Even Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans -– which typically have lower minimum credit criteria — look for a minimum credit score in the 500s.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 463 Credit Score?

Like other types of loans, it can be hard to qualify for traditional personal loans with a 463 credit score. Some lenders offer products specifically designed for borrowers who don’t have good credit. One example is a secured personal loan. Collateral, such as a vehicle, home, or other asset of value, is usually required to qualify for this personal loan option.

As you’re weighing your options, you’ll want to understand how much your borrowing costs will be. Using a personal loan calculator can help you see your monthly payment amount and how much you’re paying toward interest charges.

The Takeaway

A 463 credit score falls within the lowest ranking of FICO Scores and is considered poor. Having a less-than-stellar score can make qualifying for traditional credit cards and loans challenging and costly. But all is not lost. There might be alternative options available that can help you gain access to credit — whether through the help of a cosigner or a collateral-based product.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.