University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs University of Denver
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a public university in Colorado Springs, CO, and University of Denver is a private university in Denver, CO. University of Denver is the more selective of the two, admitting about 78% of applicants against 97% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. University of Colorado Colorado Springs is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,788 a year against $36,131 at University of Denver. About 77% of students graduate at University of Denver, compared with 46% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Ten years after enrolling, University of Denver alumni earn a median of about $71,155, against $54,659 for University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,697
6,025
Acceptance rate
97%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1220
1240–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
28–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,788
$36,131
Full cost / yr
$24,595
$78,476
In-state tuition
$10,149
$61,398
Out-of-state tuition
$24,336
$61,398
Application fee
$50
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,065
$20,097
$30k - $48k
$11,642
$16,211
$48k - $75k
$12,104
$22,940
$75k - $110k
$18,388
$31,759
Over $110k
$22,142
$47,222
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
77%
Freshman retention
68%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,766
$57,118
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,659
$71,155
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$21,844
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
14%
First-generation students
31%
19%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Colorado Springs or University of Denver harder to get into?
- University of Denver is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 97% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs or University of Denver?
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,788 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 Colorado Springs and University of Denver?
- Before aid, University of Colorado Colorado Springs costs about $24,595 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 Colorado Springs or University of Denver?
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,065 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 Colorado Springs or University of Denver?
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs is the larger of the two, with about 8,697 undergraduates against 6,025 at University of Denver.
- Does University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Denver have a better graduation rate?
- University of Denver has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 46% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
- Do graduates of University of Colorado Colorado Springs 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 $54,659 for University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Colorado Colorado Springs and University of Denver require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs and University of Denver look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1220 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs and 1240–1410 at University of Denver. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs Colorado School of MinesUniversity of Colorado Colorado Springs vs University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusUniversity of Colorado Colorado Springs vs Colorado Mesa UniversityUniversity of Denver vs Colorado School of MinesUniversity of Denver vs University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusUniversity of Denver vs Colorado Mesa University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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