Denver, Colorado · ★ 3.5 / 5 Overall (2 Student Reviews)
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Public · 4-year · Doctoral
The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) is a public research university in downtown Denver, Colorado, United States. It is part of the University of Colorado system. Established in 1912 as an extension of the University of Colorado Boulder, CU Denver attained university status and became an independent institution in 1973. CU Denver is classified among R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity. The university's graduate programs award more master's degrees than any other institution in the state, serving roughly 5,000 students annually. CU Denver makes up one-third of the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver, along with the Metropolitan State University of Denver and the Community College of Denver.
National rank
Ranked #75 in the US by Times Higher Education (2026). Source: THE US ↗
World rank
Ranked #351 globally in Times Higher Education (2026). Source: THE World ↗
National rank
Ranked #496 in Forbes Top Colleges (2026). Source: Forbes ↗
Value rank
Unfiltered student reviews about the real
experience at this University
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1380 Lawrence Street, Lawrence Street Center, Suite 1400, Denver, Colorado, 80217-3364
Visit University SiteRanked #506 on Washington Monthly Best Bang for the Buck. Source: WM Best Value ↗
25th–75th percentile
SAT total: 980–1220
SAT ERW: 500–620
SAT math: 480–600
ACT composite: 21–27
Total: 23,409
Undergrad: 14,027
Undergrad full-time: 8,335
Graduate: 9,382
Part-time: 11,071
In-state
Tuition: $10,017
Total cost on campus: $32,823
Out-of-state
Tuition: $28,209
Total cost on campus: $51,015
Room & board: $14,920
Books & supplies: $1,460
Receive aid: 90%
Avg grant aid: $8,079
Pell grant recipients: 41%
Rent: $940 / mo
Average city asking rent, as a roommate share. Zillow Observed Rent Index.
Coffee: $5.75
State average cafe price. Numbeo, 2024.
Gas: $4.20 / gal
State average price. AAA.
Average meal: $8.06
Published board plan, per meal. IPEDS.