University of Colorado Boulder vs University of Denver
University of Colorado Boulder is a public university in Boulder, CO, and University of Denver is a private university in Denver, CO. Both admit about 78% of applicants. University of Colorado Boulder is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,346 a year against $36,131 at University of Denver. About 77% of students graduate at University of Denver, compared with 75% at University of Colorado Boulder. Ten years after enrolling, University of Denver alumni earn a median of about $71,155, against $69,738 for University of Colorado Boulder.
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At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Boulder, CO
Denver, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
31,939
6,025
Acceptance rate
78%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1430
1240–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
28–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,346
$36,131
Full cost / yr
$37,684
$78,476
In-state tuition
$15,666
$61,398
Out-of-state tuition
$44,918
$61,398
Application fee
$65
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,231
$20,097
$30k - $48k
$14,381
$16,211
$48k - $75k
$18,828
$22,940
$75k - $110k
$26,915
$31,759
Over $110k
$34,818
$47,222
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
77%
Freshman retention
90%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,939
$57,118
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,738
$71,155
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$21,844
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
14%
First-generation students
20%
19%
International students
3%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
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.
- Is University of Colorado Boulder or University of Denver harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 78% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of Colorado Boulder or University of Denver?
- University of Colorado Boulder is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,346 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 University of Colorado Boulder and University of Denver?
- Before aid, University of Colorado Boulder costs about $37,684 a year and University of Denver about $78,476. 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, University of Colorado Boulder or University of Denver?
- University of Colorado Boulder. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,231 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, University of Colorado Boulder or University of Denver?
- University of Colorado Boulder is the larger of the two, with about 31,939 undergraduates against 6,025 at University of Denver.
- Does University of Colorado Boulder or University of Denver have a better graduation rate?
- University of Denver has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 75% at University of Colorado Boulder.
- Do graduates of University of Colorado Boulder 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 $69,738 for University of Colorado Boulder. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Colorado Boulder and University of Denver require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Colorado Boulder 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 University of Colorado Boulder and University of Denver look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1430 at University of Colorado Boulder and 1240–1410 at University of Denver. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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