Colorado College vs University of Denver
Colorado College is very selective with a 20.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of Denver (71.2%). Graduates of University of Denver earn $5,933 more per year at the 10-year mark ($71,155 vs $65,222). For families earning $48k–$75k, Colorado College is more affordable at $12,568 net price vs $22,940. Students at Colorado College graduate with less debt ($18,257 vs $21,844).
Admissions & Outcomes
Colorado College has a higher yield rate (34.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Colorado College has a higher median SAT (1450 vs 1320).
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Colorado College is more affordable at $9,217 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $44,141 vs $47,222.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. University of Denver enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (15%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Colorado College
- 1 Economics$46,087
- 2 Political Science and Government$37,568
- 3 Sociology$25,194
- 4 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences$21,508
- 5 English Language and Literature, General$20,482
University of Denver
- 1 Computer Science$74,576
- 2 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$69,338
- 3 Mechanical Engineering$65,905
- 4 Finance and Financial Management Services$62,012
- 5 Marketing$49,918
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Colorado College
- 1 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Economics
- 4 Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- 5 Natural Resources Conservation and Research
University of Denver
- 1 Psychology, General
- 2 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 3 International Relations and National Security Studies
- 4 Communication and Media Studies
- 5 Biology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Colorado College
- International students5%
- Tuition (international)$60,390
- Est. total cost/year$74,256
- School typePublic
University of Denver
- International students6%
- Tuition (international)$52,596
- Est. total cost/year$67,953
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Colorado College or University of Denver?
Colorado College is more selective with a 20.0% acceptance rate, compared to 71.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Colorado College or University of Denver?
University of Denver graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $71,155 compared to $65,222. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Colorado College or University of Denver?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Colorado College has a lower net price at $12,568 per year vs $22,940. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Colorado College vs University of Denver?
Colorado College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 86.8%, compared to 76.8%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Colorado College or University of Denver?
University of Denver has a larger international student population at 6% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Colorado College and University of Denver?
At Colorado College, Economics graduates earn a median of $46,087 within two years. At University of Denver, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $74,576. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.