University of Denver Tuition and Fees

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.