As an R1 doctoral
university and one of America’s leading academic and health science
institutions, CU Denver holds more than 30 specialized accreditations and is
recognized for academic excellence and career outcomes.
For more than a century, the University of Colorado Denver has brought expertise, knowledge and learning to the heart of the Mile High City.
One of four campuses that make up the University of Colorado system, CU Denver originated in 1912 as an extension of the University of Colorado Boulder and gained its independence in 1973.
Education
We educate more than 14,000 students at CU Denver, our comprehensive campus in downtown Denver, and more than 4,000 students in our research and advanced health care programs at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.
On our two campuses, you can choose from more than 140 programs in 13 schools and colleges at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional health levels, including some that rank among the nation’s best.
Through our partnerships with business and industry, public schools and local governments, health care clinics and other community outreach programs, we’re an integral part of the Denver metro area and Colorado.
Research
The CU Anschutz Medical Campus is a nationally recognized leader in the creation of new knowledge and innovative approaches to improving human health.
With sponsored research awards totaling more than $400 million annually, CU Anschutz researchers collaborate with partner and affiliate hospitals, clinics and centers to bring research from the bench to the patient’s bedside.
Career
Colorado has one of the strongest economies in the United States, offering excellent internship and career opportunities. Students gain real-world experience through internships, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). With 50+ STEM OPT-eligible programs, CU Denver helps prepare you for global career success.
International students have the opportunity to seek employment on campus for up to 20 hours a week. Once admitted and enrolled full-time, international students can view available positions and apply on Handshake.
Top reasons to study here
We educate more than 14,000 students at CU Denver, our comprehensive campus in downtown Denver.
On our two campuses, you can choose from more than 140 programs in 13 schools and colleges.
Through our partnerships with business and industry, public schools and local governments, we’re an integral part of the Denver metro area and Colorado.
University of Colorado DenverKey Statistics & Highlights
#447Ranking
47 Courses
4,416Academic Staff
17,224Students
1,378Students (int'l)
9,818Students (female)
Public Institution Type
Student services
The CU Denver Division of Student Affairs, led by Raul Cardenas, Jr., is helping students realize their given potential every day.
Whether you are applying to the university, enrolling in classes, planning to study oversees or creating your campus experience, the Division of Student Affairs is ready to advocate and support your every step.
Housing services
Whether you want convenience of living minutes away from your classes, the excitement of living in a growing city, or the amenities of an all-inclusive community, Campus Village is the place for you.
Library services
Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to study? Look no farther than the newly renovated Auraria Library.
Designed by internationally recognized architect Helmut Jahn, the library won a national Excellence-in-Design award just two years after opening.
Today, the LEED-certified library houses 280 million electronic resource records, 140,000 ebooks, 60,000 ejournals and 650,000 print books.
ICT services
CU Anschutz Guest is a lower-security network that does not require credentials to log into.
CU Anschutz is a higher-security network that only students, faculty, and staff have access to.
To connect, select the CU Anschutz network and, when prompted, enter your university credentials (the same ones you use to log into Canvas and UCD Access).
Medical services
The CARE team was created by the university to address the health and safety needs of students as well as the campus community.
The purpose of the team is to assess whether individuals pose a risk to themselves or others and to intervene when necessary, and more generally, to identify and provide assistance to those in need.
Campus life
Study in Denver, Colorado, a vibrant metropolitan area of over 3 million people. Known as the “Mile High City,” Denver is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the United States.
CU Denver is located on the Auraria Campus in the heart of downtown Denver. Students are steps from internships, museums, restaurants, sports venues, and cultural attractions.
With 300 days of sunshine, four distinct seasons, and easy access to the Rocky Mountains, students enjoy hiking, skiing, and outdoor adventures year-round. Colorado offers more than 200 parks, 25 ski resorts, and thousands of miles of trails.
Sports facilities
Climb a “fourteener” during the day and catch a Rockies game in the evening.
Go to class in the morning and out for a hike in the afternoon.
Soak in the Colorado sunshine, whether you're skiing black diamonds, kayaking class IIIs or cruising the city on your fat-tire.
Student clubs
Students also have access to a wide range of wellness resources, such as an on-campus food pantry, a counseling center offering free sessions, the health center at Auraria, the Phoenix Center at Auraria, and the financial wellness program, all designed to promote confidence, persistence, and timely degree completion.
Accreditation
The accreditation of schools and colleges in the U.S. is overseen by several regional accrediting agencies.
Colorado is one of 19 states whose schools and colleges are accredited by the North Central Association (NCA) that consists of two independent accrediting corporations:
The Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (K - 12)
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) that is responsible for degree granting organizations of higher education.
University of Colorado DenverOverview
University of Colorado DenverRankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 7.8%United States
Top 8.7%Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
447
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 7 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
2025
2026
2027
296
440
447
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
851
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
761
851
851
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
No 2027 Ranking
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
-
351
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
No 2026 Ranking
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
2024
2025
2026
201
201
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
University of Colorado DenverStudent Reviews & Awards
4.3
Based on 11 reviews
5 Star
3 Reviews
4 Star
8 Reviews
3 Star
0 Reviews
2 Star
0 Reviews
1 Star
0 Reviews
4/5
Learning was impactful
My experience at the university was satisfying and academically enriching. The lecturers were supportive, and the courses were well structured, helping me build strong theoretical and practical skills. Although facilities and administrative processes could be improved, the overall learning environment was positive and contributed greatly to my academic development.
Posted byNlabe Yaw Bonchin
Studied fromJan 2022 - Dec 2025
Posted onJan 2026
4/5
Everybody�s focused
Most of the students at this institution are commuters, and after classes conclude, they typically head straight back home. This is understandable, given that a majority of individuals enrolled at CU Denver are primarily focused on advancing their careers and perceive college as a tool for personal growth rather than a means of socializing. This approach has its advantages, such as being surrounded by highly intelligent and diligent peers. However, it might be challenging to come across social gatherings.
Posted byAurora
Studied fromUnknown
Posted onJun 2025
4/5
My review
My first year as a Computer Science Engineering and Economics student at CU Denver has been an excellent and fulfilling experience. While the engineering departments may not be as highly ranked as some others, I find the in-state tuition at CU Denver to be quite affordable and given the experience and expertise of the faculty at CU Denver, I have no trouble believing their advice about the time commitment necessary to succeed in my studies.