The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) is based in Denver, Colorado, and was founded in 1973 as a separate campus of the University of Colorado system. It is in the center of downtown Denver, where students have exposure to a wide range of career opportunities, cultural experiences, and a dynamic business center. It is a leading public university with rigorous academic programs and research. With locations in Boulder, Denver, Anschutz, and Colorado Springs, CU offers intimate classes, professional faculty, and cooperative learning. The students are exposed to hands-on experience, research opportunities, and leadership skills to prepare them for the challenges of the real world.
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Elements |
Details |
College Name |
University of Colorado Denver |
College Location |
Denver, Colorado |
College Short Form |
CU Denver |
Acceptance Rate |
66% |
Graduation Rate |
47% |
FAFSA Deadline |
February 1 |
Early Decision |
November 1 |
Regular Application Due |
January 15 |
SAT Scores |
1070-1260 |
ACT Scores |
21-27 |
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University of Colorado has an integrative admissions policy, taking into account academic record, test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. Here is a summary of the major admission requirements:
Details |
Requirements |
High School GPA |
3.5 |
High School Rank |
A strong class rank enhances application competitiveness. |
SAT Scores |
1070-1260 (Middle 50%) |
ACT Scores |
21-27 (Middle 50%) |
Letters of Recommendation |
Optional but recommended for competitive programs. |
Personal Statement |
Encouraged to highlight unique experiences and aspirations. |
Application Fee |
$50 |
Extracurricular Activities |
Leadership, sports, clubs, or community service can strengthen an application. |
Interviews |
Not required but may be beneficial for some applicants. |
AP/IB Courses |
Strongly recommended to demonstrate academic rigor. |
Portfolio (for specific programs) |
Required for certain majors like Arts and Architecture. |
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The University of Colorado, Colorado University as applied to, under a test-optional policy, gives the choice to a student about whether or not to submit SAT/ACT scores as part of the application process. The applicant should include test scores when they feel that the scores will complement their application, but they are also able to withhold their scores if they feel that their results do not exactly reflect their academic stature. Colorado University employs a holistic application process.
If you do choose to report your SAT scores, it's informative to see the middle 50% of the admitted students' scores. Scores in or above this band will help strengthen your application; however, keep in mind that Colorado University uses holistic and "consider many things in the student admission process.
The University of Colorado SAT score distribution varies by campus, with the middle 50% range typically between 1070-1260. Boulder has the highest SAT expectations (1070-1260), while Denver and Colorado Springs have slightly lower ranges. Here is the SAT score range for students admitted to the University of Colorado:
Component |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing |
500 |
620 |
Mathematics |
480 |
600 |
Total Score |
1070 |
1260 |
Composite Score 1190-1390. Check SAT Scores for Ivy Leagues.
There are several campuses of the University of Colorado system. Therefore, understand the University of Colorado admissions process below:
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The University of Colorado is test-optional, and students are allowed to decide if they want to submit ACT scores or not.
The "Middle 50%" means that 25% of admitted students scored below this range, and 25% scored above it.
Campus |
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%) |
Minimum Recommended ACT |
University of Colorado Denver |
21 - 27 |
24+ |
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Superscoring means that if you take the SAT or ACT multiple times, the university will consider your highest section scores across all test dates to create the best possible composite score.
Campus |
SAT Superscore? |
ACT Superscore? |
University of Colorado Denver |
Yes |
Yes |
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The University of Colorado seeks students of academic excellence who also have good leadership abilities and a commitment to service for their communities. One of the major points considered under holistic review is GPA, and this institution will favor students who have challenged themselves in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Honors work.
Average GPAs in the middle 50% 3.5-4.0. GPAs in this range suggest very well-prepared students who took demanding courses in high school. However, because Colorado University uses a holistic review process, slightly weaker students may be competitive along other dimensions-leadership or extraCurricular involvement, for example.
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The University of Colorado's acceptance rate differs by campus. The University of Colorado Denver acceptance rate is about 66%. However, the Denver and Colorado Springs campuses are slightly more open, with acceptance rates of about 85% to 90%, offering a chance for a wide variety of students. Although admission is available, good academic standing, extracurricular activities, and a balanced application can increase your chances.
The University of Colorado provides a host of scholarships to students on merit, need, and on account of special student backgrounds. They are:
Even though Colorado University is highly selective when it comes to admitting students, it does utilize a holistic assessment of students. Even though a stellar academic performance is definitely important, Colorado University also seeks out students who have exhibited leadership and community service along with personal development. If invited for review, having good SAT/ACT scores accompanied by an equilibrated application that proves extraCurricular depth and thoughtful personal statement can actually make a difference in differentiating you during the application process.
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College Name |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
15–19* |
820–980* |
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16–21* |
890–1080* |
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17–20* |
860–1053* |
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15–21* |
Not available* |
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16–20* |
860–1062* |
University |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
21–27* |
940–1200* |
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16–25* |
910–1150* |
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18–26* |
910–1150* |
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18–24* |
910–1120* |
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19–26* |
950–1150* |
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21–28* |
950–1180* |
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16–27* |
925–1140* |
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17–24* |
930–1175* |
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19–25* |
950–1130* |
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20–27* |
900–1150* |
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20–26* |
1010–1200* |
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