University of Denver SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
DU’s 77% acceptance rate means your strategy should focus on fit, cost, and presenting clear academic strength, not just clearing an admissions bar. If you submit scores, aim for the top of DU’s range, around a 1380 SAT or 32 ACT, so the score adds strength rather than just checking a box.
⬡ LangSmith59886fcd-6275-4047-8f70-05296595b05cData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of Denver facts and stats
University of Denver enrolls 6,619 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. DU has an 89% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 76% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.
⬡ LangSmithea993066-08fc-4a59-ba6d-ff0893ffa5f6Denver, CO
How do your scores compare at DU?
Key University of Denver application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional DU, plan for your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes and superscoring opportunities, with October usually the last sitting that can arrive in time for the November 1 Early Decision and Early Action deadlines.
⬡ LangSmitha5c0ba6c-4ef8-4685-870e-5245139c8887Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of Denver?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
DU is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $61,434. The average merit award is $26,775, and 44% of students receive aid. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline.
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At the University of Denver, tuition, fees, room, and board total about $79,193 before aid. DU reports that 44% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $56,874. Merit awards are a major part of the picture, averaging $26,775, with named scholarships ranging from $25,000 to $33,000. Graduates leave with an average debt of $27,786.
⬡ LangSmith1c510d40-b9a2-4803-bd79-617ad36ac07bStudent life at University of Denver
47% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 23% of men join fraternities, and 20% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WAAcceptance rate: 81.7%
SAT: 1200–1385
ACT: 27–31
Acceptance rate: 74.7%
SAT: 980–1220
ACT: 23–32
Regis University
Denver, COAcceptance rate: 86.4%
SAT: 1020–1220
ACT: 22–29
Colorado Mountain College, Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs, COAcceptance rate: 75.4%
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