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University of Denver vs Colorado State University Pueblo

University of Denver is a private university in Denver, CO, and Colorado State University Pueblo is a public university in Pueblo, CO. University of Denver is the more selective of the two, admitting about 78% of applicants against 95% at Colorado State University Pueblo. Colorado State University Pueblo is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,051 a year against $36,131 at University of Denver. About 77% of students graduate at University of Denver, compared with 39% at Colorado State University Pueblo. Ten years after enrolling, University of Denver alumni earn a median of about $71,155, against $55,563 for Colorado State University Pueblo.

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University of Denver

Denver, CO · Private

Colorado State University Pueblo

Pueblo, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Denver, CO
Pueblo, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,025
3,042
Acceptance rate
78%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.07–3.57
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1410
870–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
28–33
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,131
$10,051
Full cost / yr
$78,476
$23,937
In-state tuition
$61,398
$9,720
Out-of-state tuition
$61,398
$17,944
Application fee
$65
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,097
$9,374
$30k - $48k
$16,211
$8,948
$48k - $75k
$22,940
$10,961
$75k - $110k
$31,759
$15,701
Over $110k
$47,222
$12,858
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
39%
Freshman retention
89%
64%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,118
$43,053
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,155
$55,563
Median debt at graduation
$21,844
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
29%
First-generation students
19%
41%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

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 University of Denver or Colorado State University Pueblo harder to get into?
University of Denver is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 95% at Colorado State University Pueblo. 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 State University Pueblo?
Colorado State University Pueblo is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,051 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 State University Pueblo?
Before aid, Colorado State University Pueblo costs about $23,937 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 State University Pueblo?
Colorado State University Pueblo. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,374 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 State University Pueblo?
University of Denver is the larger of the two, with about 6,025 undergraduates against 3,042 at Colorado State University Pueblo.
Does University of Denver or Colorado State University Pueblo have a better graduation rate?
University of Denver has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 39% at Colorado State University Pueblo.
Do graduates of University of Denver or Colorado State University Pueblo earn more?
University of Denver alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,155 ten years after enrolling, against about $55,563 for Colorado State University Pueblo. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Denver and Colorado State University Pueblo require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Denver is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Colorado State University Pueblo considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Denver and Colorado State University Pueblo look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at University of Denver and 870–1100 at Colorado State University Pueblo. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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