Students at the University of Denver achieve exceptionally strong earnings outcomes, with graduates earning significantly more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide.
The university ranks in the top tier for both overall earnings and low-income student success, delivering meaningful financial advantages for those who attend.
The University of Denver is a selective private institution that delivers exceptionally strong earnings outcomes for its graduates. While access is limited—only about 15% of students receive Pell Grants—those who attend see impressive long-term financial returns. Graduates earn a median of $71,155 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the 88th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. The institution also generates meaningful earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $4,676 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
As a medium-sized private research university in Denver, DU combines the personalized attention of a smaller institution with the resources and alumni network of a major university. The school's "Selective Achievers" mobility profile reflects its approach: strong outcomes for those who gain admission, though access remains concentrated among higher-income students. For families who can manage the higher net prices, DU offers a compelling combination of academic quality, career preparation, and long-term financial returns in one of the country's fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
The university's strength lies in its ability to consistently deliver strong career outcomes across multiple fields, from finance and computer science to business and liberal arts, making it an attractive option for students seeking both academic rigor and professional preparation.
The University of Denver's program portfolio reflects its strength in professional preparation and career-focused education. Computer Science delivers the highest median earnings at around $74,576, benefiting from Denver's thriving technology sector and the university's strong industry connections. Banking and Financial Support Services, which enrolls 134 students and represents the highest aggregate return program, produces graduates earning about $62,012—solid outcomes that reflect Denver's position as a regional financial center.
Psychology represents the largest single program with 134 graduates, though earnings are more modest at approximately $35,670, typical for liberal arts fields that often require additional education or experience for career advancement. Biology shows the lowest median earnings at about $24,532, reflecting the field's common requirement for graduate school or additional training to reach higher earning potential.
The university's program mix emphasizes professional and pre-professional preparation, with strong outcomes in business, technology, and applied fields that align well with Denver's diverse economy. Students benefit from the university's location in a major metropolitan area with growing industries in technology, energy, finance, and aerospace, providing multiple pathways for career development and networking opportunities that contribute to the strong long-term earnings outcomes across programs.
The University of Denver delivers strong long-term earnings outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Graduates earn a median of $71,155 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 88th percentile nationally—well above typical outcomes for both private and public institutions. Perhaps more importantly, DU graduates earn about $4,676 more than similar students at comparable universities, demonstrating the institution's ability to add meaningful value beyond what students might achieve elsewhere. This earnings advantage reflects both the quality of academic preparation and the strength of Denver's job market for university graduates.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly, creating opportunities for students to maximize their return on investment through strategic major selection. Computer Science leads in earnings potential, with graduates earning around $74,576 ten years out, followed by Banking and Financial Support Services at about $62,012. These technical and business-focused programs benefit from Denver's thriving technology and financial services sectors. Psychology represents the largest program by enrollment with 134 graduates, though earnings are more modest at around $35,670, while Biology shows the lowest median earnings at approximately $24,532.
The university's location in Denver provides graduates access to a diverse and growing economy, with strong opportunities in technology, finance, energy, and aerospace industries. This geographic advantage, combined with DU's alumni network and career services, helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations and achieve strong financial outcomes across multiple career paths.
Affordability at the University of Denver varies dramatically by family income, reflecting its positioning as a selective private institution. Low-income students pay about $20,820 annually after aid, which is reasonable for a private university but still represents a significant investment. Middle-income families face substantially higher costs at around $28,981 per year, while high-income families pay approximately $46,428 annually. These net prices place DU in the 8th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning it costs more than most comparable institutions.
Despite the higher sticker prices, the university's financial aid strategy helps make attendance possible for students from various economic backgrounds. The institution provides meaningful grant aid that reduces costs significantly from the full tuition price, though families should expect to contribute substantially more than they would at public universities. The aid structure reflects DU's selective admissions approach, where financial aid serves both to attract talented students and to maintain some economic diversity within a predominantly higher-income student body.
For families considering DU, the key affordability question becomes whether the higher upfront investment aligns with the strong long-term earnings outcomes. Given that graduates consistently earn more than expected and achieve solid financial returns, many families find the premium worthwhile, especially when factoring in Denver's job market advantages and the university's career preparation resources.
University Of Denver Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
