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
| Metric | CU Boulder | University of Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.3% | 71.2%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1230–1420 | 1240–1410wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33 | 29–32wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $41,943wins | $59,340 |
| Avg Net Price | $21,480wins | $36,037 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $69,738 | $71,155wins |
| Graduation Rate | 75.0% | 78.0%wins |
| Retention Rate | 89.2%wins | 87.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 31,578wins | 6,059 |
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
Want a deeper comparison?
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