University of Denver vs Colorado Mesa University
University of Denver is a private university in Denver, CO, and Colorado Mesa University is a public university in Grand Junction, CO. University of Denver is the more selective of the two, admitting about 78% of applicants against 82% at Colorado Mesa University. Colorado Mesa University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,103 a year against $36,131 at University of Denver. About 77% of students graduate at University of Denver, compared with 41% at Colorado Mesa University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Denver alumni earn a median of about $71,155, against $45,823 for Colorado Mesa University.
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- Is University of Denver or Colorado Mesa University harder to get into?
- University of Denver is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 82% at Colorado Mesa University. 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 Denver or Colorado Mesa University?
- Colorado Mesa University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,103 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 Denver and Colorado Mesa University?
- Before aid, Colorado Mesa University costs about $24,046 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 Denver or Colorado Mesa University?
- Colorado Mesa University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,792 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 Denver or Colorado Mesa University?
- Colorado Mesa University is the larger of the two, with about 8,143 undergraduates against 6,025 at University of Denver.
- Does University of Denver or Colorado Mesa University have a better graduation rate?
- University of Denver has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 41% at Colorado Mesa University.
- Do graduates of University of Denver or Colorado Mesa University earn more?
- University of Denver alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,155 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,823 for Colorado Mesa University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Denver and Colorado Mesa University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Denver is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Colorado Mesa University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do University of Denver and Colorado Mesa University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at University of Denver and 930–1160 at Colorado Mesa University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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