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University of Denver vs University of Northern Colorado

University of Denver is a private university in Denver, CO. University of Northern Colorado is a public university in Greeley, CO. University of Denver admits about 78% of applicants and University of Northern Colorado about 86%, making University of Denver the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,760 a year at University of Northern Colorado after aid, and about $36,131 at University of Denver. About 77% of students graduate at University of Denver, compared with 51% at University of Northern Colorado. Ten years after enrolling, University of Denver alumni earn a median of about $71,155, against $52,231 for University of Northern Colorado.

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University of Denver

Denver, CO · Private

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Denver, CO
Greeley, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,025
5,598
Acceptance rate
78%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1410
950–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
28–33
21–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,131
$17,760
Full cost / yr
$78,476
$29,254
In-state tuition
$61,398
$12,416
Out-of-state tuition
$61,398
$27,266
Application fee
$65
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,097
$12,695
$30k - $48k
$16,211
$13,290
$48k - $75k
$22,940
$16,038
$75k - $110k
$31,759
$18,441
Over $110k
$47,222
$24,306
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
51%
Freshman retention
89%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,118
$43,756
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,155
$52,231
Median debt at graduation
$21,844
$20,470
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
26%
First-generation students
19%
35%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Mar 1

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 University of Northern Colorado harder to get into?
University of Denver is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 86% at University of Northern Colorado. 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 University of Northern Colorado?
University of Northern Colorado is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,760 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 University of Northern Colorado?
Before aid, University of Northern Colorado costs about $29,254 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 University of Northern Colorado?
University of Northern Colorado. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,695 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 University of Northern Colorado?
University of Denver is the larger of the two, with about 6,025 undergraduates against 5,598 at University of Northern Colorado.
Does University of Denver or University of Northern Colorado have a better graduation rate?
University of Denver has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 51% at University of Northern Colorado.
Do graduates of University of Denver or University of Northern Colorado earn more?
University of Denver alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,155 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,231 for University of Northern Colorado. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Denver and University of Northern Colorado require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Denver is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Northern Colorado is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Denver and University of Northern Colorado look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at University of Denver and 950–1190 at University of Northern Colorado. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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