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University of Denver and University of Colorado Boulder are both private nonprofit institutions — University of Denver in Denver, CO and University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder, 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.
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.
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.
| Factor | University of Denver | University of Colorado Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 77.8% | 78.1% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1240–1410 |
| 1240–1430 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 28–33 | 29–33 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 6,025 | 31,939 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $61,398/year | $44,918/year |
| Average net price after aid | $36,131 | $25,346 |
| Graduation rate | 75.6% | 74.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $71,155 | $69,738 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Public |
| Location | Denver, CO | Boulder, CO |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Psychology | Business and marketing, Engineering, Biological sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (77.8% vs 78.1%). 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 Denver and University of Colorado Boulder
University of Denver has an acceptance rate of 77.8%; University of Colorado Boulder is around 78.1%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Denver tuition is $61,398/year. University of Colorado Boulder is $44,918/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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