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College Comparison

University of Colorado Boulder vs University of Denver: Which is Better?

Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.

School

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

School

University of Denver

Denver, CO

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricCU BoulderUniversity of Denver
Acceptance Rate83.3%71.2%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1230–14201240–1410wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)28–3329–32wins
Tuition (Out-of-State)$41,943wins$59,340
Avg Net Price$21,480wins$36,037
Median Earnings (10 yr)$69,738$71,155wins
Graduation Rate75.0%78.0%wins
Retention Rate89.2%wins87.7%
Student–Faculty Ratio19:110:1wins
Total Enrollment31,578wins6,059

Verdict

Based on the data above, University of Denver edges out CU Boulder on 6 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.

CU Boulder Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $41,943
  • Avg Net Price: $21,480
  • Retention Rate: 89.2%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,578

University of Denver Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 71.2%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1240–1410
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–32
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $71,155

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