Traditional Bachelor's Program

Build the Foundation for Your Future

Open the door to a world of possibilities. As an undergraduate student at DU, you'll get a multidimensional, adventure-driven education that's rooted in a clear commitment to taking on the great issues of our time.

Enriched by distinctive learning experiences that extend from the classroom to the field, laboratory, community and professional world, your time here will be informed by diverse perspectives that deepen your understanding of local and global communities. In the end, you'll be uniquely prepared to confront an ever-evolving future and pursue a life and career of purpose.

Innovative Degree Programs

Select from more than 100 areas of study, including both traditional and progressive offerings. We also offer compelling dual degree programs that span a variety of disciplines, including accounting, education, social work, art history, geographic information science, international studies, public policy, engineering, computer science and law.

Admission

The University of Denver seeks students who have challenged themselves academically and who have demonstrated success in English, math, social studies, science and foreign language. In selecting each new incoming class, Undergraduate Admission considers all available information including evidence of academic achievement, contributions to school and community, extracurricular activities and leadership.

The University of Denver uses the Common Application. We encourage you to apply online at https://www.commonapp.org/. You can also read more about the application process and all required materials on our website at https://www.du.edu/admission-aid/undergraduate/how-to-apply.

Undergraduate Admission invites you to learn more about the DU experience through our many visit programs. During a campus visit, you will learn about our admission process, tour our facilities, speak with current students, investigate the different programs of study and learn about extracurricular activities and social offerings available to students.

To register for a campus visit program, go to www.du.edu/visit or call Undergraduate Admission at 303-871-7711.

Admission Standards

When reviewing an application, our admission committee considers the following:

  • academic achievement
  • grade point average
  • standardized test scores (if submitted)
  • DU’s whole-person assessment, including personal essay and letters of recommendation

Academic Achievement

The typical accepted high school student has taken a strong, competitive class schedule, which may include honors, college preparatory, Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate courses.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The average weighted high school GPA of students accepted for Fall 2023 was 3.83. The middle 50 percent weighted GPA ranged from 3.73–4.0.

Standardized Tests

Academic performance in high school is the most important factor in our admission process. However, we are a test-optional university, and submitting test scores is your choice. If you choose to submit your SAT and/or ACT scores, they will be considered along with your other application materials for both admission and merit scholarships. 

  • DU will accept either the SAT or the ACT. SAT Code: 4842 and ACT Code: 0534.
  • We do not consider subject test or writing sections.
  • If you’ve taken either test more than once, we’ll combine the best scores from the individual sections of each test to create an ideal “super score.”
  • If you are a student attending a non-graded high school that does not provide a letter or numerical grade, you can be considered for admission without submitting an official SAT or ACT score. However, in order to be considered for merit scholarships, you will need to submit an official ACT or SAT score.

If you have questions about the University of Denver's test-optional path, please explore the FAQs and exceptions on the test-optional webpage or contact your admission counselor. 

The middle 50 percent test scores of students accepted for Fall 2023 were the following:

SAT 1260-1430 average was 1327
ACT 29-33 average was 30

Whole-Person Assessment

DU students assume responsibilities outside the classroom; they are leaders, volunteers, artists, musicians, athletes, actors and people who contribute to their community as a whole. We value your essays and letters of recommendation, as well as your extracurricular activities. This helps us learn how you can make a difference during your time at DU.

Overall, our committee takes a holistic approach in considering a number of factors when shaping our class each year. While academic success is the main factor in our admission decisions, we also carefully consider institutional goals and priorities. For example, to remain within our financial aid budget, and to ensure students have the financial support necessary to enroll and graduate, we are “need-aware” with some decisions (we consider a family’s ability to pay, and our ability to properly fund a student).

Additionally, we sometimes consider a student’s level of interest in DU, and their overall likelihood to enroll, helping our team more accurately shape and plan for a complete incoming class. Interest can be demonstrated in a number of ways, including a virtual or in-person campus visit, connecting with us at a college fair, attending a high school visit, meeting with your admission counselor, or interacting with us digitally on our website or emails.

Programs with Additional Admission Requirements

Daniels College of Business degree programs, Lamont School of Music degree programs and the bachelor of fine arts in the School of Art and Art History have requirements for admission beyond the criteria listed above.

Daniels College of Business

Applicants who wish to pursue an undergraduate business major in Daniels must first apply to, and be accepted by, the University of Denver. The application to the university serves as the Daniels College of Business application for students who indicate business as their intended major on their application to DU. Students will be considered for direct admission to Daniels when accepted to the University of Denver. If applicants are not directly admitted through the DU application process, they are encouraged to work through the fast track or pre-business pathways as an enrolled student.

There are three possible admission routes into Daniels:

  1. Secure direct admission upon application to the University of Denver, based on indication of business interest on application and overall strength of application credentials. Transfer applicants are evaluated on GPA, transfer coursework (with strong preference for calculus-level math), and work experience; or
  2. Earn Fast Track admission upon completing two quarters as a full-time student at DU with a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher, including successful completion (C- or higher) of MATH 1200 Calculus for Business and Social Sciences or MATH 1951 Calculus I; or
  3. Pursue the Pre-Business Pathway through the successful completion (C- or higher) of the following: BUS 1440 The Fourth Industrial Revolution, BUS 1099 Daniels Professional Development Program Part I, ECON 1020 Economics: A Critical Introduction, INFO 1010 Analytics I: Data Management and Analysis, INFO 1020 Analytics II: Business Statistics and Analysis, MATH 1200 Calculus for Business and Social Sciences or MATH 1951 Calculus I, in addition to Microsoft Certifications for Excel, Word, and PowerPoint (obtained through INFO 1011 and INFO 1021 as co-requisite labs to INFO 1010 and INFO 1020, respectively). A 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA is required to apply. Application are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, once applicants have fulfilled all requirements.

This sample quarter-by-quarter course plan outlines recommended paths for completing the courses required to earn Fast Track admission or to apply to Daniels. Successful completion of the Pre-Business Pathway guarantees admission to Daniels. Students will not have to re-apply or submit additional materials in tandem with the above requirements.

Please refer to the Daniels website (http://daniels.du.edu) for specific information related to the admission process and requirements. Students needing special accommodations should contact University Disability Services at dsp@du.edu, 303­-871-­3939 or www.du.edu/studentlife/disability.

Lamont School of Music

In addition to being accepted for study by the University, students desiring admission to the Lamont School of Music must audition with the appropriate music faculty and complete a Lamont application. Audition requirements differ by area. Requirements can be reviewed at www.du.edu/lamont. An in-person audition is preferable; however, students may submit a high quality video recording for review.

School of Art and Art History

If admitted to the University and the School of Art & Art History (SAAH), students interested in the Studio Art program may enter as either a BA or BFA. Studio BFA students are required to undergo the BFA Review after the completion of the Foundations sequence and should seek the guidance of studio faculty their first quarter enrolled in SAAH. 

Contact the School of Art and Art History for details.

Early Experience Applicants

After completing their sophomore or junior year in high school, students may enroll for limited study at the University through our Early Experience Program, provided they meet admission requirements and are recommended by a high school counselor. Courses completed can be applied toward a University of Denver degree if the student is admitted as a degree candidate. 

First-Year Domestic Student Application Options

Application and Decision Dates

For first-year domestic students, DU offers four application programs for the fall quarter: Early Action, Early Decision I, Early Decision II and Regular Decision.

Early Action

Early Action is a nonbinding program through which students obtain an early admission decision.

  • Apply by November 1
  • Decision letter: mid-December
  • Deposit by May 1

Early Decision I

Early Decision I is a binding program through which students obtain an early admission decision and commit to enrolling at the University of Denver if admitted.

  • Apply by November 1
  • Decision letter: early December
  • Deposit by late December

Early Decision II

Early Decision II is a binding program through which students obtain an early admission decision and commit to enrolling at the University of Denver if admitted.

  • Apply by January 15
  • Decision letter: early February
  • Deposit by late February

Regular Decision

Regular Decision is the final admission deadline for consideration for the fall quarter and is nonbinding.

  • Apply by January 15
  • Decision letter: mid-March
  • Deposit by May 1

Late Action Applications

First-year applications submitted after January 15 will be considered on a case-by-case, space-available basis.

International Students

The University of Denver currently enrolls over 800 international students from more than 90 countries. All non-U.S. citizens applying for undergraduate admission, including U.S. permanent residents, undocumented/DACA students, and those with refugee or asylum status must complete the Common Application at https://www.commonapp.org.

Deadlines for International Students 

International first-year applicants will be considered for fall (September) admission only. Applications must be submitted by November 1 for Early Decision I or Early Action consideration or January 15 for Early Decision II or Regular Decision consideration. 

The recommended application deadlines for transfer students are as follows:

Fall quarter (September) April 1 (priority deadline); July 1 (final deadline)
Winter quarter (January) October 15
Spring quarter (March) February 1 (limited space)
Summer quarter (June) May 1

All undergraduate international applicants will be automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Applicants will be notified in their admission letter if they have been awarded a merit scholarship.

Admission Standards for International Students

In addition to meeting all University of Denver admission requirements, non-native speakers of English must present proof of English proficiency. The University requires, at a minimum, one of the following scores:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A TOEFL score of 80 or higher with no subscore below 18.
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): An IELTS score of 6.5 or higher with no band score below 5.5.
  • Duolingo English Test: A DET score of 115 or higher, with no subscores below 105 for Literacy, Comprehension, and Conversation or below 95 for Production.
  • CAE (Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English): A grade of C or higher on the CAE.

For more information regarding English Proficiency, please visit: www.du.edu/apply/admission/apply/international/proficiency.html.

English Language Courses for Non-Native Speakers

A fall quarter four-credit course, WRIT 1022 English for Academic Purposes, is required of all international students with test sub scores below the University minimum on speaking, reading, or writing.  This class will assist non-native English-speaking students in developing academic writing practices and skills that they will need in their other coursework. The course will provide students with a foundational understanding of the conventions of American academic writing. peer learning and practices, and the resources needed to support their development over the course of their DU matriculation.

Exemptions

Students who have completed academic secondary education wholly or in part in a language other than English may either take a standardized English placement test accepted by DU (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, DUOLINGO) to determine if they need to take WRIT 1022 English for Academic Purposes, OR they may take a test, offered through the Center for World Languages and Cultures, for placement into another language in order to satisfy the DU Common Curriculum language requirement. 

Students are considered for, but not guaranteed, exemption from the English proficiency score requirements and for exemption from the English for Academic Purposes course requirement if they have any of the following:

  • completed final three years and earned a diploma from a secondary/high school where the language of instruction is English
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score of 600 or higher
  • ACT English subscore of 22 or higher
  • 30 semester credits of coursework from a university or college where English is the sole language of instruction OR completion of the first-year English I and II requirements in a U.S. college or university

Students will need to complete the requirements for language as specified in the Common Curriculum (between 4-12 credits of language study).  Students may work with the Center for World Languages and Cultures to determine language options.  

For more information regarding admission of international students, see the University of Denver Office of International Student Admission website at http://www.du.edu/apply/admission/apply/international/ or contact the office by email at intladm@du.edu; by telephone at 303-871-2790; or in person at 114 University Hall, 2197 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO 80208-9401.

Transfer Students

Each year, the University of Denver welcomes roughly 200 transfer students to our community. Qualified applicants are admitted on a rolling basis, provided space is available. An application is not considered complete until all official transcripts have been received. 

Deadlines for Transfer Applicants

Application and all supporting materials should be completed and received no later than the following dates:

Fall Quarter April 1 (priority deadline); July 1 (final deadline)
Winter Quarter October 15
Spring Quarter February 1 (limited space)
Summer Quarter May 1

Admission Standards for Transfer Students

To be considered for admission, students transferring to DU from another regionally accredited institution must have a competitive grade point average in all college coursework. The admission committee looks for

  • grades that reflect solid work at the college level—generally “B” grades or better, and
  • course work that demonstrates serious intentions.

In addition, we consider any special situations or circumstances that may have influenced a student's academic performance in college. Applicants must submit official transcripts from each college or university they have attended. If students have not successfully completed 30 college-level semester hours (45 quarter hours), they must also submit a final official high school transcript. Test scores can be submitted in this case, too, but are optional.

If you are unsure about your candidacy to the University of Denver, please call Undergraduate Admission at 303-871-2036.