University of Denver
Denver, Colorado · Private
University of Denver admitted 85% of 16,637 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1160–1360 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 78% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at University of Denver
Enter a score to see whether University of Denver is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (85%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
University of Denver’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application fee is $65, and University of Denver accepts the Common App fee waiver. University of Denver asks for the Common App personal essay. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check University of Denver’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 85% (231 of 273), compared with 85% for all applicants.
University of Denver offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
22 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 4 took it, and 0 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How University of Denver rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
Important
- Essay
- Recommendations
Considered
- Class rank
- Test scores
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- State residency
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Interview
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.68 GPA. 34% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $80,536 a year. After grants, students paid $43,324 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is University of Denver’s acceptance rate?
University of Denver admitted 85% of applicants: 14,205 of 16,637 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is University of Denver’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for University of Denver?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1160 to 1360, with a median around 1280. A score at or above 1280 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is University of Denver’s application fee?
The application fee is $65 for 2026–27, and University of Denver accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does University of Denver require?
Besides the application and transcript, University of Denver asks for the Common App personal essay.
Does University of Denver have supplemental essays?
No. University of Denver has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
Does University of Denver require the CSS Profile?
Yes. University of Denver uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
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