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Colorado College vs University of Denver

Colorado College is a private college in Colorado Springs, CO, and University of Denver is a private university in Denver, CO. Colorado College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 18% of applicants against 78% at University of Denver. Colorado College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $33,375 a year against $36,131 at University of Denver. About 87% of students graduate at Colorado College, compared with 77% at University of Denver. Ten years after enrolling, University of Denver alumni earn a median of about $71,155, against $65,222 for Colorado College.

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Colorado College

Colorado Springs, CO · Private

University of Denver

Denver, CO · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,014
6,025
Acceptance rate
18%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–4
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1230–1460
1240–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
28–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$33,375
$36,131
Full cost / yr
$86,921
$78,476
In-state tuition
$70,734
$61,398
Out-of-state tuition
$70,734
$61,398
Application fee
$0
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,217
$20,097
$30k - $48k
$15,477
$16,211
$48k - $75k
$12,568
$22,940
$75k - $110k
$24,129
$31,759
Over $110k
$44,141
$47,222
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
77%
Freshman retention
94%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,611
$57,118
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,222
$71,155
Median debt at graduation
$18,257
$21,844
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
14%
First-generation students
18%
19%
International students
5%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Colorado College or University of Denver harder to get into?
Colorado College is harder to get into. It admits about 18% of applicants, compared with 78% at University of Denver. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Colorado College or University of Denver?
Colorado College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $33,375 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,131 at University of Denver. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Colorado College and University of Denver?
Before aid, University of Denver costs about $78,476 a year and Colorado College about $86,921. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Colorado College or University of Denver?
Colorado College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,217 there, against about $20,097 at University of Denver. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colorado College or University of Denver?
University of Denver is the larger of the two, with about 6,025 undergraduates against 2,014 at Colorado College.
Does Colorado College or University of Denver have a better graduation rate?
Colorado College has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 77% at University of Denver.
Do graduates of Colorado College or University of Denver earn more?
University of Denver alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,155 ten years after enrolling, against about $65,222 for Colorado College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colorado College and University of Denver require SAT or ACT scores?
Colorado College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Denver is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Colorado College and University of Denver look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1230–1460 at Colorado College and 1240–1410 at University of Denver. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school