Choosing the right university can be a challenging task, and it requires comparing various factors, such as cost, academics, campus life, and outcomes. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between two popular schools, the University of Colorado (U of Colorado) and the University of Denver (DU). By examining these universities in-depth, we hope to provide valuable insights that can help you make an informed decision.
U of Colorado Overview
The University of Colorado is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado. Established in 1876, it is the flagship institution of the University of Colorado system, offering over 150 academic programs across various disciplines. The campus is known for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by mountains and offering numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, the University of Colorado has a reputation for excellence in fields such as engineering, environmental sciences, and business.
U of Colorado Costs & Tuition
As a public institution, the University of Colorado offers affordable tuition rates, especially for in-state students. The estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year is $31,470 for in-state students and $54,930 for out-of-state students. This cost includes tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses. Financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, are available for eligible students.
U of Colorado Admissions
The University of Colorado has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 78%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1150-1360 and an ACT score range of 25-31. Along with test scores, the admissions committee considers factors such as high school GPA, rigor of coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The priority deadline for applications is November 15th, with a regular decision deadline of January 15th.
U of Colorado Degrees Offered
The University of Colorado offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across various disciplines. Some popular majors include business, engineering, social sciences, biological sciences, and visual and performing arts. Students can choose from over 150 academic programs, as well as numerous interdisciplinary and certificate programs to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.
U of Colorado Academics
The University of Colorado is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to research and innovation. With a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students can expect smaller class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. U of Colorado also boasts numerous research centers and institutes, providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration with faculty on cutting-edge projects.
U of Colorado Diversity
The University of Colorado has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to promoting an inclusive and welcoming campus environment, offering various programs and resources to support students from diverse backgrounds. These include the Center for Inclusion and Social Change, the Cultural Unity & Engagement Center, and numerous affinity groups and clubs.
U of Colorado Students
The University of Colorado has a vibrant and active student community, with over 300 student clubs and organizations available for students to join. These organizations cover a wide range of interests, such as academic and professional development, cultural and identity-based groups, and recreational and sports clubs. Students also have access to state-of-the-art recreational facilities and numerous on-campus events, such as concerts, guest speakers, and film screenings.
U of Colorado Campus
The University of Colorado’s campus is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with ample green spaces and outdoor areas for students to enjoy. On-campus housing options are available, ranging from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living. Additionally, the city of Boulder offers a vibrant and thriving community, with numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment options nearby.
U of Colorado Alumni
The University of Colorado has a strong alumni network, with over 300,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include astronaut Scott Carpenter, former U.S. Senator Hank Brown, and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Eric Cornell. The university provides various resources and networking opportunities for alumni, such as career services, lifelong learning programs, and alumni events.
U of Colorado Rankings
The University of Colorado consistently ranks highly in various national and international rankings. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, U of Colorado is ranked #103 in National Universities and #46 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, the university holds top rankings in various subject areas, such as engineering, business, and environmental sciences.
U of Colorado Outcomes
The University of Colorado has a strong track record of successful outcomes for its graduates. According to the university, 94% of graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for U of Colorado graduates is $52,000. The university also has a strong commitment to supporting students in their career development, offering resources such as career services, internships, and networking events.
DU Overview
The University of Denver (DU) is a private research university located in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 1864, DU offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, engineering, and liberal arts. The campus is situated on 125 acres in a vibrant urban setting, providing students with ample opportunities for cultural and recreational activities. DU has a strong emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement, with numerous internship, research, and study abroad opportunities available to students.
DU Costs & Tuition
As a private university, the University of Denver has higher tuition rates than public institutions. The estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year is $72,300, which includes tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses. DU offers various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, to help eligible students offset the cost of attendance.
DU Admissions
The University of Denver has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 59%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1190-1390 and an ACT score range of 26-31. In addition to test scores, the admissions committee considers factors such as high school GPA, rigor of coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The priority deadline for applications is November 1st, with a regular decision deadline of January 15th.
DU Degrees Offered
The University of Denver offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple disciplines. Popular majors at DU include business, psychology, social sciences, engineering, and visual and performing arts. Students can choose from over 200 academic programs, as well as numerous interdisciplinary and certificate programs to customize their education.
DU Academics
The University of Denver is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to experiential learning. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students can expect smaller class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. DU also offers numerous research, internship, and study abroad opportunities, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and global perspectives.
DU Diversity
The University of Denver is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries, and the university offers various programs and resources to support students from diverse backgrounds. These include the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Center for Multicultural Excellence, and numerous affinity groups and clubs.
DU Students
The University of Denver has an active and engaged student body, with over 150 student clubs and organizations available for students to join. These organizations cover a wide range of interests, such as academic and professional development, cultural and identity-based groups, and recreational and sports clubs. Students also have access to state-of-the-art recreational facilities and numerous on-campus events, such as concerts, guest speakers, and film screenings.
DU Campus
The University of Denver’s campus is located in a vibrant urban setting, offering students access to the cultural, dining, and entertainment options of Denver. The campus features a mix of modern and historic architecture, with ample green spaces and outdoor areas for students to enjoy. On-campus housing options are available, ranging from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living.
DU Alumni
The University of Denver has a strong alumni network, with over 140,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Senator Gary Hart, and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Beth Henley. The university provides various resources and networking opportunities for alumni, such as career services, lifelong learning programs, and alumni events.
DU Rankings
The University of Denver consistently ranks highly in various national and international rankings. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, DU is ranked #80 in National Universities and #58 in Best Value Schools. Additionally, the university holds top rankings in various subject areas, such as business, engineering, and social sciences.
DU Outcomes
The University of Denver has a strong track record of successful outcomes for its graduates. According to the university, 91% of graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for DU graduates is $53,000. The university also has a strong commitment to supporting students in their career development, offering resources such as career services, internships, and networking events.
U of Colorado vs DU Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending the University of Colorado and the University of Denver, it is important to consider the differences in tuition rates and financial aid options. As a public university, U of Colorado offers more affordable tuition rates, with an estimated cost of attendance of $31,470 for in-state students and $54,930 for out-of-state students. In contrast, the private DU has a higher estimated cost of attendance of $72,300. Both universities offer financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, to help eligible students offset the cost of attendance.
U of Colorado vs DU Admissions Difficulty
Both the University of Colorado and the University of Denver have selective admissions processes. U of Colorado has an acceptance rate of around 78%, with admitted students having an SAT score range of 1150-1360 and an ACT score range of 25-31. DU has a more competitive acceptance rate of around 59%, with admitted students having an SAT score range of 1190-1390 and an ACT score range of 26-31. In addition to test scores, both universities consider factors such as high school GPA, rigor of coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal essays in their admissions processes.
U of Colorado vs DU Academic Difficulty
Both the University of Colorado and the University of Denver are known for their strong academic programs and commitment to research and experiential learning. U of Colorado has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, while DU has a smaller 12:1 ratio, allowing for more personalized attention from faculty. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as numerous research, internship, and study abroad opportunities for students.
U of Colorado vs DU Outcome Comparison
The University of Colorado and the University of Denver both have strong track records of successful outcomes for their graduates. U of Colorado reports that 94% of its graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $52,000. DU reports that 91% of its graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $53,000. Both universities offer career services, internships, and networking events to support students in their career development.
