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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,902 |
| Tuition and Fees | $29,391 |
| Room and Board | $15,442 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,460 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,002 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $11,900 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,743 |
| $30–48k | $9,472 |
| $48–75k | $10,834 |
| $75–110k | $15,232 |
| $110k+ | $22,475 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UC Denver graduates complete their education with median debt levels of $20,500, comparable to the peer median of $20,000 and representing typical borrowing for public university students. Debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating meaningful variation in borrowing patterns across students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 indicates manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, well below concerning thresholds that would suggest repayment difficulties. With median earnings of $64,270, graduates typically earn more than three times their debt level, creating favorable conditions for loan repayment.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UC Denver represents a solid educational investment that combines moderate costs with above-average earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $10,391 beyond expectations relative to similar students, indicating strong value creation that justifies educational costs.
With median earnings of $64,270 compared to peer institutions' $60,543, UC Denver graduates earn $3,727 more annually than typical public university outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests sustainable borrowing that supports rather than undermines post-graduation financial stability.
Return on investment ranks at the 84th percentile nationally, indicating well above average performance on this key measure. The combination of accessible admission, moderate costs, manageable debt, and strong earnings creates favorable conditions for educational return.
UC Denver's financial aid approach concentrates support toward lower-income students while maintaining accessibility across economic backgrounds. With 25.8% Pell-eligible enrollment, the institution serves fewer low-income students than some public universities but provides meaningful support to those it enrolls.
The average financial aid savings of $4,236 annually helps moderate the published cost of attendance, though this figure varies significantly by family income and individual circumstances. Net prices increase systematically with family income, indicating effective aid targeting rather than flat-rate discounting.
The aid system appears designed to maintain accessibility for Colorado families while requiring higher-income students to pay closer to full costs. Students from lower-income backgrounds can expect substantial aid support, while middle and upper-income families should plan for costs approaching the full sticker price, particularly if they exceed Colorado residency requirements or fall into higher income categories.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,883 with monthly payments of $262, representing additional family investment in education. The combination of moderate debt levels and strong earnings outcomes positions UC Denver graduates favorably for financial stability, though individual circumstances vary significantly.
