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University of Colorado Boulder and University of Denver are both public institutions — University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder, CO and University of Denver in Denver, CO. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Boulder, CO · Public
Acceptance rate: 78.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 31,939
Tuition: $44,918/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 74.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Boulder, CO with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
Denver, CO · Private
Acceptance rate: 77.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 6,025
Tuition: $61,398/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 75.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Denver, CO with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
| Factor | University of Colorado Boulder | University of Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 78.1% | 77.8% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1240–1430 |
| 1240–1410 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 29–33 | 28–33 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 31,939 | 6,025 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $44,918/year | $61,398/year |
| Average net price after aid | $25,346 | $36,131 |
| Graduation rate | 74.2% | 75.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $69,738 | $71,155 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Boulder, CO | Denver, CO |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Engineering, Biological sciences | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Psychology |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (78.1% vs 77.8%). University of Colorado Boulder has a lower average net price after grant aid ($25,346 vs $36,131). University of Denver reports the higher graduation rate (75.6% vs 74.2%). University of Colorado Boulder is the larger undergraduate campus (31,939 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between University of Colorado Boulder and University of Denver
University of Colorado Boulder has an acceptance rate of 78.1%; University of Denver is around 77.8%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Colorado Boulder tuition is $44,918/year. University of Denver is $61,398/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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