A six-week winter break makes sense at the University of Denver. With its Rocky Mountain landscapes, the long break gives students a great opportunity to take full advantage of the university’s close proximity to major ski areas, just 90 minutes west of campus. Add to that an average of 300 days of sunshine, and the University of Denver hits a sweet spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
But DU students also use that time for short-term internships or study abroad to gain hands-on experience or a global perspective. I visited campus last fall on one of those sunny days, and I’m excited to share my impression of DU’s academics, campus life and extracurriculars so you can determine if this Colorado campus is a good fit for you.
Location
The 125-acre DU campus is located in a residential neighborhood about eight miles from downtown Denver, an easy 15-minute light-rail ride away. Its centerpiece is a new Community Commons, which opened in 2021 and houses dining halls, advising services, dedicated space for student organizations and events, indoor and outdoor lounges and a courtyard terrace where you can take in picturesque views.
Admission Fast Facts
UD is rigorous and somewhat selective. Current enrollment is 6900 students, with 28 percent coming from in state. If you’re thinking about applying to DU, here are some facts to consider:
- Admissions is test optional
- Recommendations are optional
- Average GPA is 3.68-4.0 (weighted); 3.5 (unweighted)
- Average ACT is 28-32
- Acceptance rate is about 71%
- 99% of students receive significant merit and financial aid
- Cost is $80,000/year; around $50,000/year after merit aid
- The CSS profile is required
- The FAFSA is not required for merit aid
Academics
DU’s quarter system makes it easy to pursue a double major or minor, but classes also move quickly. Ninety-nine percent of classes are taught by faculty, and the average class size is 24, which gives students plenty of opportunity to collaborate with professors and peers.
Many students go to DU to attend the Daniels College of Business, which offers traditional majors and minors, such as finance and accounting, as well as specialized disciplines, such as Hospitality and Real Estate and the Built Environment.
DU also is known for programs in the Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science, specifically in Mechanical, Electrical and Computer Engineering. The Department of Computer Science’s strong undergraduate programs allow students to specialize in Applied Computing, Computer Science and Game Development, and its graduates have found employment in companies including IBM, Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Lockheed Martin.
Students in DU’s music program can choose from degrees that emphasize performance, jazz studies, composition, and recording and production. Other popular majors include biology, psychology and international studies.
Several dual-degree programs allow undergraduates to earn a bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree from Denver’s graduate schools in business, education, the arts, international studies, social work, and law. Experiential learning is a big part of a DU education. Students have the advantage that there are a lot of internships in Denver, and not many other Denver colleges. Other hands-on experiences include research, study abroad and volunteer work both on campus and in the community.
Outside the classroom, the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus allows DU students to immerse themselves in the outdoors for lessons from Mother Nature. Incoming students start with a First Ascent during the summer or fall of their first year, which includes challenge courses, guided hikes and artistic and life design exploration. It is part of DU’s 4D experience, a tailored approach to education that focuses not only on knowledge, but purpose, well-being and character.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Pioneer Prep Leadership Program is a core component of DU’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. Designed for rising high school juniors and seniors from across the country, it is a 3-day summer experience open to anyone and designed to enrich cultural awareness and empower emerging leaders.
DU also is well known for its Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP), which provides comprehensive opportunities and resources for students with learning differences. The nationally-recognized program, which includes counselors, executive functioning specialists and tutors, supports over 400 students each year.
Student Life
Students are required to spend their first two years in DU’s residence halls, and there is affinity housing and five living/learning communities open to first-years. Dining options in the Community Commons get rave reviews, and I can confirm dietary restrictions are accommodated – I had a great gluten-free stir-fry during my visit.
Almost 20 percent of students participate in Greek life at DU, and there is dedicated Greek housing for some fraternities and sororities. There are about 100 student organizations to participate in ranging from backpacking and board games to club sports and the arts.
The entire community rallies around Pioneer Hockey, which won its most recent of 10 national titles in 2024. Students camp out in October to secure season tickets for home games, with some pitching tents and spending the night to ensure their spot in line. DU does not have a football team, but unsurprisingly it does have a 24-time National Champion ski team. All enrolled students have access to the Coors Fitness Center and group fitness classes, personal training, open rec basketball, swimming and more.
Who would be happy here?
Outdoor enthusiasts who want to balance strong academics with activities like hiking, backpacking, skiing and snowboarding and who value things like a strong sense of community, hands-on learning and the environment. The campus also is described by students as laid-back, friendly and inclusive. Students at DU work hard and want to use their education to make a positive impact on the world.
Are you a College Expert student interested in exploring the University of Denver? Talk to your College Expert counselor about whether it’s a good fit for you.
