DU vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Denver in Denver, CO with Simmons University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Denver is larger than Simmons University based on total student enrollment (12,813 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); Simmons University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• University of Denver is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Denver 9:1; Simmons University 9:1.

DU vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DU or Simmons University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Simmons University than DU ($28,691 vs. $45,451).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simmons University are 0.8% lower than at University of Denver ($17,618 vs. $17,759).
• University of Denver is 31% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $14,524 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31% higher at DU than at Simmons University (about $14,524 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at University of Denver (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simmons University students is 3.4% larger than aid received by University of Denver students ($35,123 vs. $33,955).

DU vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DU or Simmons University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Simmons University and DU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Denver (1330) is 20 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming DU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Simmons University (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 1240/1410; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 28/33; Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DU - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DU Jan 15, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at DU (3.72).
• DU has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than Simmons University (70%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at DU vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

DU vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DU and Simmons University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Denver's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from University of Denver earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than Simmons University graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,400 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Denver graduates have a $2,301 lower median loan debt than Simmons University graduates ($23,699 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, DU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simmons University graduates ($245 vs. $268).
• More Simmons University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DU students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 72%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.