UC Denver combines accessible admission standards with strong economic mobility outcomes. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university produces $10,391 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels comparable to peers, supporting long-term financial stability for graduates across diverse academic programs.
With well above average outcomes, driven by strong long-term earnings relative to educational investment
With above average performance, reflecting controlled costs and manageable debt levels
With above average performance, indicating solid enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With top-tier performance, reflecting the institution's ability to serve diverse student backgrounds while delivering strong earnings growth
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Top-tier mobility performance with accessible admission
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus ranks #180 nationally in Azimuth's mobility analysis, with mobility performance at the 91.0th percentile. Located in Denver, Colorado, this large public research university maintains open admission standards with a 77.8% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
The institution enrolls 25.8% Pell-eligible students and 37.9% first-generation students, positioning it above average for access measures. With a significant transfer student population at 51.2%, UC Denver serves students from diverse educational pathways.
Graduates earn $10,391 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 86.3rd percentile nationally. Median earnings reach $64,270 ten years after enrollment, placing UC Denver in the 80th percentile for long-term earnings.
Compared to a peer median of $60,543, graduates earn $3,727 more annually. This combination of accessible admissions, above-average access for underrepresented students, and strong economic outcomes places UC Denver firmly within the Selective Achievers quadrant, where institutions deliver strong outcomes while serving fewer low-income students than typical mobility engines.
UC Denver delivers strong earnings outcomes with controlled debt levels that support long-term financial stability. Graduates earn a median of $64,270 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 80th percentile nationally.
The institution generates $10,391 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 86.3rd percentile nationally on this measure. Low-income graduates earn $71,800, demonstrating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Students seeking strong post-graduation outcomes at an accessible public university, particularly those interested in engineering, business, or health fields. Well-suited for first-generation (37.9%) and transfer students (51.2%) who want research university resources with manageable debt levels and demonstrated economic mobility.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the University Of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-colorado-denveranschutz-medical-campus/analysis.
University of Colorado Denver admits approximately 77.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places UC Denver in the Open Access category, with admission rates above 75%.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows that UC Denver's selectivity aligns closely with similar public institutions, differing by only 0.3 percentage points. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect to gain admission, though meeting minimum requirements remains essential.
The institution's open access approach reflects its mission to serve diverse student populations, including significant numbers of transfer students who comprise 51.2% of the student body. Students considering UC Denver should view it as an accessible option that combines broad admission opportunity with strong post-graduation outcomes.
Unlike highly selective institutions where even exceptional students face uncertainty, UC Denver provides a more predictable admission pathway for students who meet basic academic requirements. This accessibility particularly benefits first-generation students, who represent 37.9% of the enrolled population, and students seeking to transfer from community colleges or other institutions.
Applicants should focus on demonstrating academic readiness and alignment with their chosen program of study rather than worrying about competitive positioning against other candidates.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Colorado Denver's published cost of attendance reaches $23,369 per year, including $10,017 in-state tuition, $14,920 for room and board, and $1,460 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher tuition of $28,209.
However, the average student pays just $19,133 after financial aid, representing savings of $4,236 annually. This net price positions UC Denver at $3,543 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating moderate cost relative to similar institutions.
The financial aid system provides meaningful support across income levels, though costs increase substantially for higher-income families. Net prices range from $16,135 for families earning under $30,000 to $23,355 for those earning above $110,000, creating a progressive cost structure that concentrates aid toward lower-income students.
UC Denver's cost profile reflects its role as a public institution balancing accessibility with revenue needs, particularly given Colorado's funding environment for higher education. Students should expect moderate costs compared to private institutions but higher expenses than some peer public universities, making financial planning essential for most families.
UC Denver graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time, with outcomes based on robust cohort sizes that provide high confidence in reported figures. Median earnings rise from $52,475 six years after enrollment to $59,654 at eight years and $64,270 at ten years, representing 22.5% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect data from 3,394 graduates in the ten-year cohort, ensuring statistical reliability across the institution's diverse program portfolio. Graduates earn $10,391 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing UC Denver in the 86.3rd percentile for earnings uplift.
This performance indicates the institution's effectiveness in translating educational access into economic advancement. Low-income graduates earn $71,800, demonstrating strong outcomes for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Earnings span from $40,026 at the 25th percentile to $93,795 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. The earnings distribution shows a 2.3:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles, indicating meaningful variation across career paths.
Approximately 27.4% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting strong preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Mechanical Engineering.
69 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
53 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
61 graduates
Civil Engineering, General.
34 graduates
Analytical Chemistry.
12 graduates
UC Denver offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Business Administration and Management ranks #85 nationally and #3 in Colorado, producing 459 graduates with median earnings of $62,472 and a value score of 75.2, making it the institution's largest program by enrollment.
Adult Health Nursing ranks #135 nationally and #1 in Colorado, graduating 300 students with median earnings of $68,051 and strong debt outcomes. Biology General ranks #87 nationally and #1 in Colorado, with 244 graduates earning $52,543 annually.
Applied Economics ranks #117 nationally and #1 in Colorado, graduating 138 students with median earnings of $65,621. Psychology General ranks #171 nationally and #2 in Colorado, with 156 graduates earning $44,972.
Communication and Media Studies ranks #134 nationally and #3 in Colorado, graduating 138 students with median earnings of $47,203. Several programs hold the #1 state ranking in Colorado, indicating UC Denver's competitive position within the state's higher education landscape.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Massachusetts-Amherst Similar quality tier (#174 ranked) | MA | 58% | $71,631 | #174 | Compare |
Oregon State University Similar quality tier in West (#178 ranked) | OR | 79% | $64,010 | #178 | Compare |
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Similar quality tier (#173 ranked) | OK | 71% | $57,413 | #173 | Compare |
East Carolina University Similar quality tier (#180 ranked) | NC | 90% | $55,146 | #180 | Compare |
University Of Missouri-Columbia Similar quality tier (#181 ranked) | MO | 77% | $63,403 | #181 | Compare |
