Skip to content

University of Denver vs United States Air Force Academy

University of Denver is a private university in Denver, CO, and United States Air Force Academy is a public university in USAF Academy, CO. United States Air Force Academy is the more selective of the two, admitting about 14% of applicants against 78% at University of Denver. About 88% of students graduate at United States Air Force Academy, compared with 77% at University of Denver.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

University of Denver

Denver, CO · Private

United States Air Force Academy

USAF Academy, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Denver, CO
USAF Academy, CO
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
6,025
4,114
Acceptance rate
78%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1410
1230–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
28–33
26–33
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,131
Not reported
Full cost / yr
$78,476
Not reported
In-state tuition
$61,398
Not reported
Out-of-state tuition
$61,398
Not reported
Application fee
$65
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,097
Not reported
$30k - $48k
$16,211
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$22,940
Not reported
$75k - $110k
$31,759
Not reported
Over $110k
$47,222
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
88%
Freshman retention
89%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,118
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,155
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$21,844
Not reported
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
Not reported
First-generation students
19%
Not reported
International students
3%
1%
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 United States Air Force Academy harder to get into?
United States Air Force Academy is harder to get into. It admits about 14% 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 bigger, University of Denver or United States Air Force Academy?
University of Denver is the larger of the two, with about 6,025 undergraduates against 4,114 at United States Air Force Academy.
Does University of Denver or United States Air Force Academy have a better graduation rate?
United States Air Force Academy has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 77% at University of Denver.
Do University of Denver and United States Air Force Academy require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Denver is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. United States Air Force Academy requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of Denver and United States Air Force Academy look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at University of Denver and 1230–1440 at United States Air Force Academy. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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