University of Denver

What is the accreditation of University of Denver?

The University of Denver is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Institutional accreditation evaluates the university as a whole; it is distinct from approval of a particular degree program.

Some professional programs have separate accreditation. For example, the Daniels College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, and the Sturm College of Law's Juris Doctor program is accredited by the American Bar Association. Applicants entering a licensed profession should verify the accreditation and licensing rules for their specific program and the state where they intend to practice.

Institutional accreditation is relevant to eligibility for federal student aid and often matters when another college reviews transfer credits. It does not, by itself, guarantee that a course will transfer or satisfy a professional licensing requirement.

What are the admission requirements at University of Denver?

First-year applicants generally submit an application, a secondary-school transcript, and a recommendation. DU is not an open-admission institution, and its review considers academic performance in context rather than applying a published university-wide minimum GPA to every applicant.

DU's undergraduate application is available through the Common Application. An applicant's school record and GPA are required for review; class rank may be considered if reported but is not required. SAT and ACT scores are optional under its test-optional approach. Among enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, the reported median was 1295 on the SAT and 29 on the ACT. Those figures describe score submitters, not a cutoff for admission.

DU reported admitting about 78% of first-time applicants in its 2024-25 admissions data. That institution-wide rate does not predict an individual decision or describe selectivity in every major. Applicants whose first language is not English may need to document English proficiency through an accepted test or qualify for an exemption. Early and regular application rounds have different deadlines and, where applicable, different commitment terms; applicants should check the round they select before submitting. Graduate and specialized programs set their own requirements.

What are the application fees and waivers at University of Denver?

The reported standard undergraduate application fee is $65. It is an application charge, not an enrollment deposit or part of tuition.

Applicants who qualify for a fee waiver should indicate their eligibility in the application or follow DU's admissions instructions before submitting payment. Common Application fee-waiver routes can include demonstrated financial need and qualifying school or community-program circumstances. Applicants to graduate or professional programs should check their program's separate application and fee policy; a waiver or fee for undergraduate admission should not be assumed to apply there.

What types of ROTC programs are available at University of Denver?

DU students can pursue Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC through arrangements with cooperating host institutions; these are not described as DU-operated branch units on its campus. Scheduling and travel between campuses can therefore be important parts of participation.

ROTC participation, eligibility for a scholarship, and a later service obligation are separate questions. Interested students should ask the relevant host detachment how DU enrollment, course registration, physical requirements, and scholarship applications work before building an academic schedule around ROTC.

What are the requirements for transfer students at University of Denver?

DU accepts transfer applicants and generally considers college credit earned at other accredited institutions. Admission to DU and acceptance of particular credits toward a degree are separate decisions.

Transfer applicants should expect to provide transcripts from every college attended and any additional school records required for their circumstances. DU has accepted transfer entrants in fall, winter, spring, and summer, but available entry terms and deadlines can depend on the program. A strong application does not establish that every previous course will fulfill a DU major requirement.

Quarter-calendar credit conversion, course content, grades, and departmental rules can all affect a transfer evaluation. Applicants should request an official credit review and a degree plan that shows which courses count as electives, general requirements, or major requirements. This is especially important for sequential majors and for students who have already completed substantial coursework.

What types of study abroad programs are available at University of Denver?

DU offers study-abroad opportunities that include longer academic-term programs and shorter international experiences. Options and eligibility vary by major, destination, and academic standing.

Its Office of International Education advises students on program selection and academic planning. DU's Cherrington Global Scholars framework is an important funding and participation route for eligible undergraduates, but its terms should be checked against a student's proposed program rather than treated as a blanket promise that any trip is covered. Before committing, students need approval for how overseas coursework will apply to their degree and a clear budget for travel, housing, insurance, and other expenses not necessarily covered by aid.