At $36,037/yr net price, University of Denver graduates earn $71,155/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $37,155/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $36,037 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $144,148 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,155/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$37,155/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 78.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,844 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,820/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,648/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,981/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,753/yr |
| $110,001+ | $46,428/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $86,129 | $66,687 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $84,653 | |
| Real Estate. | Master | $83,546 | $56,614 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Certificate | $75,204 | $38,194 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $21,053 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $73,949 | $46,680 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $72,667 | $30,504 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $21,500 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $69,338 | $168,425 |
| Natural Resources Management and Policy. | Master | $68,379 | $41,000 |
The Risk Factor
78.0% of students at University of Denver graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 22% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Denver delivers solid financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median $71,155 ten years post-graduation against relatively manageable debt loads of $21,844. The 78% graduation rate means you have good odds of actually completing your degree and seeing these returns.
Business majors see the strongest payoff at $86,129 annually, though they carry higher debt at $66,687. Real estate graduates also perform well at $83,546 with $56,614 in debt. Computer science offers the best debt-to-earnings ratio, producing $74,576 salaries with just $21,053 in debt. Education majors through the curriculum and instruction program earn $84,653 but debt data suggests caution.
The biggest financial risk at DU is the low financial aid participation rate of just 14.71%, meaning most students pay close to full freight. With a net price around $36,000 annually, you need family resources or significant merit aid to make the math work without excessive borrowing.
DU makes financial sense if you can afford the upfront costs and plan to study business, real estate, or computer science in Denver's growing job market. The location provides strong internship and networking opportunities that justify the premium. However, if you need substantial financial aid or plan to study lower-earning majors, you should look at more affordable alternatives. The school works best for middle-to-upper-income families who can pay most costs upfront and want the advantages of a private education in a major metropolitan area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Denver worth the cost?
University of Denver graduates earn a median of $71,155 ten years after graduation, which provides decent returns given the $36,037 annual net price. However, some programs like business and real estate significantly outperform this average, while others may not justify the cost.
What University of Denver programs have the best ROI?
Business and commerce graduates earn $86,129 annually, while curriculum and instruction majors make $84,653, making these the strongest financial bets. Computer science and general computer information sciences lag behind at around $75,000, which is disappointing for tech fields.
How much debt do University of Denver students typically graduate with?
The median debt load is $21,844, which is manageable compared to the earning potential of top programs. Students in lower-paying majors may struggle more with this debt burden relative to their post-graduation salaries.
Does University of Denver provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $36,037 after aid, University of Denver brings costs down from its full sticker price but still requires significant financial commitment. The 77% acceptance rate means aid may be less generous than at more selective schools.