University of Denver
University of Denver — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Denver at a Glance
The University of Denver (DU) is a private research university in Denver, Colorado, United States. Founded in 1864, it had an enrollment of approximately 6,600 undergraduate students and 6,200 graduate students in 2024. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research spending and doctorate production". The 125-acre (0.51 km2) main campus is a designated arboretum and is located five miles (8 km) south of downtown Denver.
1864
162 years old
$1.1B
$1.15 billion (2025)
12,813
6,613 undergrad · 6,200 grad
125 acres
Identity
Is University of Denver Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, University of Denver is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $71,155 — 32% above average — while paying $36,131/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 77% graduation rate means roughly 23% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Denver has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Denver compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #16 of 30 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Saint Louis University | 58 | $24,398 | $70,783 |
| #3 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #4 | Loyola University Maryland | 54 | $30,574 | $82,652 |
| #5 | University of the Pacific | 53 | $25,447 | $78,445 |
| #6 | Marquette University | 51 | $31,487 | $78,257 |
| #16 | University of Denver | 38 | $36,131 | $71,155 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Denver's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Denver
The highest-earning program at University of Denver is Accounting and Related Services at $58,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $24,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from University of Denver earns $58,100, while a Biology, General graduate earns $24,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $21,040 in median debt vs. $21,836 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $36,131/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $58,100 | $58,100 | $21,040 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $57,800 | $57,800 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $56,900 | $56,900 | $23,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $42,500 | $42,500 | $19,500 |
| Marketing | $41,700 | $41,700 | $22,131 |
| International Business | $38,700 | $38,700 | $17,281 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $35,700 | $35,700 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $33,900 | $33,900 | $22,800 |
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) | $33,500 | $33,500 | $32,916 |
| Political Science and Government | $30,900 | $30,900 | $21,500 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $29,500 | $29,500 | $21,319 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $28,900 | $28,900 | $20,500 |
| Criminology | $27,200 | $27,200 | $20,689 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $26,100 | $26,100 | $20,500 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $25,700 | $25,700 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $24,800 | $24,800 | $21,836 |
Similar Colleges in CO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Denver, CO
- Student Body
- 6,025 students
- Admission Rate
- 78%
- Graduation Rate
- 77%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $36,131
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $71,155
- Median Student Debt
- $21,844