Undergraduate Admission

Why DU?

Discover yourself at the University of Denver (DU). As a premier private university in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West, DU offers an undergraduate education unlike any other. From our classrooms and labs in downtown Denver to our one-of-a-kind Kennedy Mountain Campus, you embark on a 4D Experience that supports your holistic growth and helps you reach your full potential. 

With small classes taught by expert faculty, a focus on experiential learning, and top-ranked study abroad programs, you build the skills, knowledge, and perspective to make a difference in our world and create lasting change. 

Keep scrolling down for resources by population.

First-Year Applicant

Almost 1,400 first-year students say yes to DU each year and start along their path to success. Take the first step toward joining our ever-evolving community and apply as a first-year applicant.

To help you navigate the admission process, we compiled essential resources, including an overview of our admission standards and the first-year student application checklist.


First-Year Applicants

Transfer Applicant

If you have already completed high school and have taken college-level coursework at a community college or another university, we encourage you to apply to DU as a transfer applicant. Here, you can build upon your previous college education and reach new levels of potential through our immersive education, tight-knit campus community, and culture of innovation. 

Preparing to start the transfer process? Please review the admission standards and our application checklist for all the essential information you need to make your move to DU. 


Transfer Applicants

International Applicant

With almost 10 percent of our students choosing to relocate to DU from outside the United States, we proudly stand as an international education hub. Our international students make a significant impact on our campus community and the success of our institution, and we work hard to ensure the application process runs smoothly. 

Because the admission process for international students involves additional steps, supplemental documents, and requirements, we created comprehensive resources to support our international applicants.

Please review our application checklist for international applicants, transfer guidelines, visa Information, and English proficiency requirements.

International Applicants

 

Undocumented Student

At DU, we believe higher education should be accessible to all. We welcome applications from anyone who wants to participate and invest in our community of learners and doers, regardless of immigration status. 

To spur our undocumented students' academic success and continual growth, we offer various student resources and support services, including help navigating financial aid, scholarship opportunities, grants, and more.


Undocumented Applicants

High School Counselors

As a high school counselor, you are essential to a student’s academic success and application process. To help you and your students stay informed and on track, we provide a variety of resources, including:

Whatever you need, our admission counselors are here to help! 

High School Counselors

Family Members

Preparing to send your student to college is a major milestone. We want to ensure that, as a parent, guardian, and another family member, you have access to all essential information so you can guide and support your student during the admission process. 

Want to see DU in person? Join us for a Families Orientation!

Families

University Hall

Explore the 4D Experience

Want to read more about the student experience at the University of Denver? Check out our admission blog for an inside look at student life, academics, application tips, and more! It’s your go-to resource to explore what makes DU special and prepare for your journey.

Check out the DU Admission Blog

Discover Your Next Steps to Begin Your DU Journey

Admitted Student

Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Denver! We look forward to welcoming you into our student body and beginning your studies.

As a first step, we recommend submitting your deposit to save your spot as your first step toward your DU education. Next, we’ve outlined how to schedule campus visits, apply for housing, secure financial aid, and take other essential steps to begin your DU experience. 


Admitted Students

Deposited Students

Welcome to DU! We’re thrilled you’ve decided to embark on your college journey with us and join our ever-growing student community. 

Once you’ve secured your place, you can begin planning for your time at DU. Find information on applying for classes, orientation, and housing, and start familiarizing yourself with student life.


Deposited Students

orientation barbecue

Investing in Your DU Degree 

As you prepare to begin your studies at DU, we want to help you invest in yourself and your degree with confidence. That’s why we compiled various resources about available types of aid, estimating the cost of attendance, and outside funding opportunities to help you sail through the financial aid process. 

Have questions along the way? Our dedicated staff supports you with every step, answering questions and connecting you to all the information you need.

Learn More about Financial Aid

aerial view across campus

Picture Yourself at DU

Want to see what life at the University of Denver looks like? With our custom viewbook tool, you can create a personalized resource with all the essential information on academics, student life, housing, and more to help you prepare.

Create Your Custom Viewbook

Additional Undergraduate Admission Resources

Non-Degree Students

Interested in enrolling in DU courses without committing to a full degree? DU offers you the option to apply as a non-degree student, allowing you to pursue your academic passions, bolster your skill sets, and elevate your career trajectory without going through the entire formal application process.

Non-Degree Students

 

Bachelor’s Completion Program

Looking to finish your degree? DU’s University College is here to help. Our Online Bachelor’s Completion Program allows you to transfer up to three years of college credit to earn your DU degree. With flexible learning formats and competitive tuition rates, DU helps you finish strong. 

Want to learn more? Explore our available academic programs.

 

DU’s College Prep Programs

It’s never too early to start preparing for your DU undergraduate journey. Discover how we empower high school students to kick-start their college experience and elevate their education

Pioneer Prep Leadership Institutes

Created to cultivate diversity and inclusion in the DU community, the Pioneer Prep Leadership Institute brings the needs of Black/African-American and Latinx communities to the forefront and discusses access to higher education, leadership, diversity, and other crucial subjects.

Pioneer Prep welcomes high school juniors and seniors of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to participate and enrich their cultural awareness, connect to DU’s vibrant community, and qualify for our Pathways scholarship. 

Pioneer Prep Students

High School Early Experience Program

DU’s Early Experience Program helps ambitious high school juniors and seniors get a head start by earning college credits as they pursue their high school diplomas. During the program, students enroll in college-level courses, allowing them to explore their interests and look into the world of higher learning.

Early Experience Program

See DU for Yourself

Can’t wait to explore DU? Take a virtual tour of our academic buildings, student facilities, housing accommodations, green spaces, and other campus resources, and get a sneak peek at your new home.

University of Denver

Virtually explore University of Denver in a fully immersive 360-degree experience.

  1. Graduation Green/Benches

    Students often highlight three reasons why they chose DU; academics, study abroad and location. The quarter system enables students to have a well-rounded education: with more than 100 areas of study, taking four classes per academic quarter provides flexibility in your schedule so you can explore and give shape to your aspirations. Over 75% of our undergraduate students study abroad, and they choose from 150 program in 52 countries. Many of the additional costs - including airfare - are covered by DU. With 300 days of sunshine annually, a flourishing cultural scene, and world class hiking, skiing, and biking, it's easy to see why Denver is a destination location. "In case this is your first visit, here are some tips to help you get started:
    -Click on the forward-facing arrow to start walking ahead or select the ""Next"" button to jump to the next destination.
    -If you already know where you want to go, simply select that location from the list on the sidebar OR click directly on the map below.
    -And remember to explore each destination in more detail by clicking the interactive icons included throughout each location."

  2. Daniels College of Business

    The Daniels College of Business, or DCB, is known for its emphasis on ethics, with highly-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs. If you were to travel through this building, you would not only see the Marcus Commons and study rooms where many students work collaboratively, but you would notice that the classrooms are a very modest size. The student-to-faculty ratio here at DU is 11:1, with an average class size of 24 students. 94% of classes have fewer than 50 students, and 98.7% of classes are taught by professors, instead of TAs. This fosters an environment in which it is easy to build relationships with both peers and faculty members.

  3. Holocaust Memorial Social Action Site

    The Holocaust Memorial and Social Justice Action Site is a gathering space that inspires the transformation of memory into social consciousness and growth. As a great private institution dedicated to the public good, DU community members tackle challenges in the region via the work of the Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship & Learning. They have developed strategies to improve the health and well-being of families in subsidized housing, worked with Denver police to improve their handling of domestic violence calls, and partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy to promote sustainability through solar technology. Through these kinds of initiatives, students gain real-world skills and make connections beyond campus.

  4. Anderson Academic Commons

    The Anderson Academic Commons is the academic hub of the DU campus and serves as both a quiet study space and a gathering place for students. With dozens of small study rooms, plenty of furniture, and even a cafe, this state-of-the-art building goes beyond a traditional library. It includes classrooms, meeting rooms, and other spaces for students and faculty to engage in discussion and scholarship, as well as centers for assistance with writing, math and sciences, digital media, world languages, technology and research. Whether you're hunting for an obscure publication or just need a quiet place to relax and think, Anderson is the place to go.

  5. Campus Green

    With over 100 clubs at DU, including cultural and religious organizations, Student Government, and club and intramural sports, there are so many ways to get involved and find your community. The largest club is the Alpine Club, which offers camping, hiking, backpacking, and climbing excursions. On the flip side, the second largest club is the Dungeons and Dragons Club! Sturm Hall is home to the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. While being a major research university, DU was founded on a liberal arts philosophy, and we work to ensure that all graduates are exceptional writers, have strong quantitative reasoning skills, and are able to excel in their fields.

  6. Ricketson Law Building

    The Sturm College of Law sits at the heart of the University of Denver campus. Across from the Ritchie Center and near the light rail station, the law school is close to all of DU's major services and resources. Spanning four stories, the law school features over 20 classrooms and seminar rooms, nearly 30 study rooms, a mock trial room, the impressive Westminster Law Library, and the Student Law Office, home of the nation's first clinical program. And as a leader in environmental architecture, it's also ranked as one of the top law school buildings in the country.

  7. Burwell - Career Center

    The Burwell Center for Career Achievement is the new home of Career Advising and Alumni Relations. The staff here are happy to offer assistance with searching for jobs or crafting your resume and cover letter, mock interviews, career fairs, workshops, help in facilitating connections to DU's vast alumni network, and many internship opportunities. The Burwell Center for Career Achievement is actively working to make sure students are well prepared to succeed beyond DU. Their resources and support systems work: typically 91% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school six months after graduation!

  8. Shwayder Art Building

    The School of Art & Art History is a dynamic place where you can bring your ideas into the world through creative expression in many artistic mediums. The academic programs housed within the Shwayder Art Building offer access to painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramic, and photograph studios, along with gallery spaces. Art & Art History is a blend of people and place that creates a vibrant art community, which mirror's Denver's engaged and diverse art scene. Get inspiration in the city at the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, or even the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art.

  9. Ritchie Center - Athletics

    The Ritchie Center for Health and Wellness emphasizes DU's commitment to holistic health and well-being for all students. The Coors Fitness Center offers fitness classes, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, access to all kinds of equipment, and a place to play a pick-up game with your friends. The Health and Counseling Center is also located in this building, where you can make medical appointments for both mental and physical health. If you are interested in athletics, DU is sure to impress! We have 18 Division 1 NCAA Varsity teams, 30 club sports, and a variety of intramural teams. For our spectators, the opportunities to cheer your teams on are never ending.

  10. Dimond Family Residential Village

    Opened in 2020, the Dimond Family Residential Village is DU's newest first-year residence hall, in addition to Centennial Halls and Johnson McFarlane Hall.
    Rooms within the residence halls on campus usually house two people, although there are a small number of triple rooms. There is a male-identifying, female-identifying and gender-neutral common bathroom in most of the halls. There are also Resident Assistants on every floor, and they staff the front desk 24/7 to help students any way they can.
    Within the residence halls, numerous experiential communities combine academic, social and residential life, allowing our students to build community around similar interests from the first day they arrive at DU.

  11. Ruffatto Hall

    The Morgridge College of Education is a top-ranked graduate school offering more than 20 degree and certificate options across 10 programs. With in-person, online, and hybrid learning options, students from around the world pursue advanced degrees in diverse and in-demand fields. From School Counseling to Research Methods and Statistics, Morgridge offers programs that help students develop cutting-edge skills, gain real-world experience, and prepare for the future. The Morgridge College of Education embraces learning as a lifelong activity that involves the whole person, promotes educational change and social equity, and provides leadership for the improvement of education, mental health, and information services and systems.

  12. Community Commons - Student Center

    The Community Commons serves as the main student center on campus. It was designed to create a sense of belonging for students, where they can workshop projects over lunch, meet a new friend for coffee, catch a concert, leverage a one-stop shop for support services, and enjoy the best views of the Rockies. The Community Commons is also home to The Rebecca Chopp Grand Central Market, which comprises eight eateries, each with menus boasting at least 600 unique meal combinations between them. We have a number of other dining options spread throughout campus, including cafes and convenience stores, which are great places to grab a quick bite before class.

  13. Craig Hall

    The University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work is the place for people of purpose—social work educators, scholars and practitioners who are transforming social work knowledge into social justice action. Our MSW and PhD tracks provide classroom and field experience, faculty-student research collaborations, student organizations, career planning and student support that work together to prepare you to create social change through a career in social work. Join our community of social justice champions whose work is catalyzing social change —addressing racial, economic, environmental, health and other systems of inequity — throughout Colorado, the Rocky Mountain West and beyond.

  14. Nagel/Nelson Hall

    Nelson and Nagel Halls provide housing for returning DU undergraduate students. Nelson has suites that consist of two to four bedrooms that share a bathroom and a common entry space. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors have community kitchens and study lounges. 5th floor apartments include kitchens, living rooms, and two to four bedrooms. Nagel Hall has five floors of student residential suites and is one of the residence halls open during the winter break. Each of the suites on the first three floors accommodate four students in two bedrooms, with one shared bathroom. The fourth and fifth floor apartments include a kitchen, living room and four single bedrooms.

  15. Joy Burns Center - Hospitality Event Center

    The Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management is a distinctive brick building with a bright red dome. Did you notice the pineapple carved on the front of the building? The pineapple is a symbol for hospitality. At the University of Denver, there are many opportunities for experiential learning. 83% of students complete at least one internship, over 200 undergraduates participate in research each year, 2,000 students participate in over 120 service courses in a typical year, and there are over 100 student organizations with leadership opportunities. This building also houses a Grand Ballroom where alumni events, reunions and even weddings are planned and run by students working in event management.

  16. Harper Humanities Garden

    Known as one of the most beautiful places on campus, the Harper Humanities Garden is part of DU's Chester M. Alter Arboretum. You'll find the community lounging in hammocks, enjoying lunch on the lawn or completing last-minute homework assignments. You'll also see the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management and the Sie Complex, home to the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. The University of Denver features a close-knit campus community with all the amenities of a major metropolitan area, and within an hour's drive to some of the best outdoor activities in the world. Our students certainly take full advantage of both the city and the outdoors!

  17. Sie International Relations Complex - International studies

    The Sié Complex is home to the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, a leading school for the study of international relations and public policy. In Maglione Hall and The Forum, students engage with leaders from around the world through robust event programming like the Denver Democracy Summit. Students also participate in unique hands-on learning opportunities, like simulation exercises hosted by the CIA and Army War College or connect with our diplomat in residence and dedicated career advisors. Within the Sie Complex, you'll find a constellation of research centers with strong records of engaged scholarship, where many students work alongside world-class faculty to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

  18. Olin - Life Sciences

    "The southern-most portion of the DU campus is known for being the home of our STEM programs. The five departments that comprise the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics deliver expertise on topics ranging from ecology to biophysics, connecting undergraduate students across campus with graduate students and faculty dedicated to student-centered teaching and barrier-breaking research.

    Within each discipline, students discover unique opportunities to develop analytical and deductive reasoning skills whether in the classroom, in the lab or abroad. F.W. Olin Hall is home to the Biology and Chemistry Department and their laboratories."

  19. Engineering and Computer Science Building

    The Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science is dedicated to preparing the next generation of innovators to find solutions to some of the world's most challenging problems. Our students take advantage of a wide variety of opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. This approach is exemplified through resources like our Innovation Labs, which include a maker space where students can use cutting-edge technology like 3D printers and laser cutters to design and create. Ritchie School graduates enter the workforce with excellent career prospects, and our location and connections with Denver's thriving technology and business communities means that students are often able to find that great-fit job right here in Colorado.

  20. Newman Center for the Performing Arts - Music

    With a world-class faculty and concert venues, the Lamont School of Music is widely recognized as a premier music performance school in the U.S. Students from around the world audition to study at Lamont, where they gain the skills and experience necessary to succeed in today's dynamic arts world. Our commitment to excellence includes a multi-genre curriculum and award-winning performers engaging with audiences from across the Rocky Mountain West. From a men's chorale show to visiting tuba musicians, the Gates Concert Hall is always full of music and life. This 977-seat performance space houses many of our faculty and student recitals while also regularly hosting world-renowned musicians and singers.

  21. Kennedy Mountain Campus

    Welcome to the Kennedy Mountain Campus, where 724 acres of great outdoors nestled in the Roosevelt National Forest becomes your classroom - just two hours north of the University of Denver's urban campus. In every student's first quarter at DU, they are invited to experience our unique rite of passage at First Ascent. Thanks to our generous donors, all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels engage in this weekend excursion with activities focused on physical and mental wellness, community
    building, environmental stewardship, reflection, and leadership free of charge. The 4D Experience is here, at the Kennedy Mountain Campus, where students forge skills vital for success in both academic
    pursuits and their journey beyond.

Seated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the University of Denver campus invites you to encounter endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. We routinely host in-person tours, group visits, and other events to show off all DU offers.

Visit DU

Living on Campus

To help you fully integrate into our on-campus community, DU requires all first-year, second-year, and transfer students to live on campus for the first two years of their undergraduate experience. 

Our Housing and Residential Education (HRE) department strives to cultivate a safe environment where you and your peers can build life-long bonds, deepen the knowledge you gain in our classrooms, and find your confidence. With a range of student accommodations, meal options, and valuable resident resources, HRE ensures your transition to living on DU’s campus is simple. 

Learn More

Student Life

Life on DU’s campus brims with daily excitement and adventure. From rock climbing and hiking to fighting climate change and promoting diversity, you're sure to find your passion and forge meaningful connections along the way. With over 120+ student organizations across campus, you can uncover new interests and find your place in our thriving student community while taking in the beauty of Denver, Colorado.

Student Life at DU

Study Abroad

At DU, we believe immersive, cross-cultural education can transform your worldview. That’s why we promote robust study abroad experiences, with 120 programs in more than 50 countries. Our students encounter new cultures through these opportunities and embark on self-discovery while pursuing their degrees.

The Office of International Education helps over 70 percent of DU students study abroad as undergraduates, bringing home experiences and perspectives that shape their lives.

Study Abroad

Disclosures

Contact