DU vs. University of Northern Colorado

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Denver in Denver, CO with University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Denver is larger than University of Northern Colorado based on total student enrollment (12,813 students vs. 8,869 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); University of Northern Colorado is in Greeley, CO (Small City setting).
• University of Denver is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Northern Colorado is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Denver 9:1; University of Northern Colorado 14:1.

DU vs. University of Northern Colorado Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DU or University of Northern Colorado? 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 University of Northern Colorado than DU ($19,376 vs. $45,451).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Colorado are 9% lower than at University of Denver ($16,154 vs. $17,759).
• University of Denver is 394.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Northern Colorado (about $48,982 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $12,416.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 125.2% higher at DU than at University of Northern Colorado (about $34,132 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $27,266.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Denver than at University of Northern Colorado (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Denver students is 239.8% larger than aid received by University of Northern Colorado students ($33,955 vs. $9,992).

DU vs. University of Northern Colorado Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DU or University of Northern Colorado? 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 University of Northern Colorado and DU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Denver (1330) is 260 points higher than at University of Northern Colorado (1070).
• Incoming DU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 23 at University of Northern Colorado).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 1240/1410; University of Northern Colorado 950/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 28/33; University of Northern Colorado 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DU - Test optional; University of Northern Colorado - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DU Jan 15, 2027; University of Northern Colorado Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at University of Northern Colorado (3.53).
• University of Northern Colorado has a higher acceptance rate (85.9%) than DU (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at DU vs. 13% at University of Northern Colorado.

DU vs. University of Northern Colorado Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DU and University of Northern Colorado? 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 University of Northern Colorado's (46%).
• Graduates from University of Denver earn a median of about $18,800 more per year than University of Northern Colorado graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,400 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Colorado graduates have a $1,729 lower median loan debt than DU graduates ($21,970 vs. $23,699).
• Among borrowers, University of Northern Colorado graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DU graduates ($227 vs. $245).
• More DU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Northern Colorado students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 62%)

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.