University of Denver

For Fall 2025, 16,637 first-year students applied to DU, 14,205 were admitted and 1,174 enrolled: an acceptance rate of 85.4%.

Source: University of Denver Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1. Read Oct 1, 2026.

By residency, first-year applicants, Fall 2025

Source: University of Denver Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1, residency table. Read Oct 1, 2026.

By school or major. DU's Common Data Set reports one first-year acceptance rate for the whole university, with no rate by school or major.

Source: University of Denver Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.

Early decision and early action. The Common Data Set gives one early decision count for the fall 2025 entering class; it does not split Early Decision I from Early Decision II. It lists notification dates of December 15 for Early Decision I and February 20 for Early Decision II. It lists a nonbinding, non-restrictive early action plan, with notification by January 15, but gives no early action counts.

Early decision and early action, Fall 2025

Source: University of Denver Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), sections C21 and C22. Read Oct 1, 2026.

For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027

You apply to DU as a whole. Two groups of programs ask for more:

• BFA programs, School of Art & Art History. A portfolio, sent with your other supplemental materials.
• Music, Lamont School of Music. A supplemental application, which you receive after you submit the Common Application, and an audition or portfolio based on your area of study.

Source: DU Undergraduate Admission, Application Checklist for First-Year Applicants (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.

87 majors across 41 schools. Every bachelor's degree major in DU's official 2026-2027 Undergraduate Bulletin, grouped by the department page that lists it, with the degree it leads to. Minors, concentrations, secondary majors, certificates and graduate programs are left out.

For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027

DU takes the Common Application. Early Action and Regular Decision are nonbinding: if you apply in either round, you have until May 1 to decide. Students admitted in an Early Decision round receive an additional $5,000 merit scholarship, and top academic performers have their full demonstrated financial need met; athletes receiving athletic aid and music majors may apply Early Decision but are not eligible for these incentives. DU's admission pages publish no decision dates.

Source: DU Undergraduate Admission, First Year Applicants (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.

Both Early Decision plans are binding: you may apply Early Decision to only one school, and if DU admits you, you must withdraw your applications to other colleges. Early Decision applicants also send an Early Decision Agreement Form.

Source: DU Undergraduate Admission, Application Checklist for First-Year Applicants (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.

For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027

DU is test-optional: sending SAT or ACT scores is your choice, and if you send them they are read with the rest of your application for admission and merit scholarships. Scores must come straight from the testing agency; scores you enter on the Common Application yourself are not considered. DU superscores, combining your best section scores, and does not consider subject tests or writing sections.

Source: DU Undergraduate Admission, Application Checklist for First-Year Applicants (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.

The Common Data Set also marks the SAT or ACT as not required for admission but considered if submitted, for fall 2027 applicants, with scores due by February 1.

Source: University of Denver Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C8. Read Oct 1, 2026.

For students applying in fall 2027, entering fall 2028

Not announced yet. When we checked DU's admission pages on October 1, 2026, we found no announced changes for fall 2028 entry. The deadlines and rules above are for fall 2027 entry.

Source: DU Undergraduate Admission, First Year Applicants (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.

The published cost of a year at DU, 2026-2027:

For a full-time undergraduate living on campus for the fall, winter and spring quarters. DU adds $763 for transportation for students who are not Colorado residents. The loan fee is the average federal loan origination fee for students who borrow.

Source: DU Financial Aid, Cost of Attendance (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.

Average net price per year, by family income, 2023-24:

What first-year, full-time students who received federal aid paid after grants and scholarships, by family income, in 2023-24, the latest year the Department of Education publishes. Your own price comes from DU's aid offer.

Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.

Chosen for how close each is to University of Denver on acceptance rate, public or private, location and majors offered.

• University of St. Thomas, MinnesotaSt. Paul, MN · Private85.4% admitted$29,155 average net price
• Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh, PA · Private86.4% admitted$37,730 average net price
• Colorado State UniversityFort Collins, CO · Public88.6% admitted$21,279 average net price
• Butler UniversityIndianapolis, IN · Private82.1% admitted$36,041 average net price
• The Catholic University of AmericaWashington, DC · Private82.8% admitted$29,561 average net price

Admitted: each school's latest first-year acceptance rate, so the year can differ from school to school; each school's page names its year and source. Average net price: what federal aid recipients paid per year after grants, 2023-24, and the in-state figure for a public university.