University of Denver Acceptance Rate 2026: 85.4% Admit Rate, GPA, SAT, ACT & Admissions Guide
Direct answer: The latest official DU CDS Fall 2025 figures show 16,637 first-year applicants and 14,205 admits. That calculates to a University of Denver acceptance rate of about 85.4%.
DU is broadly accessible overall, but admission still depends on your high school performance, course rigor, application plan, Common App essay, counselor recommendation, optional test scores and whether your intended program has extra steps.
Use this guide for fast answers: acceptance rate, GPA, SAT/ACT, test-optional policy, Early Decision and Early Action deadlines, application checklist, music/art requirements, scholarships, financial aid codes, video, FAQs and official links.
Calculated from 14,205 admits out of 16,637 Fall 2025 first-year applicants.
DU lists the average accepted Fall 2025 GPA as 3.79 weighted.
Average combined SAT for accepted Fall 2025 students; middle 50% is 1230–1410.
Average ACT for accepted Fall 2025 students; middle 50% is 28–33.
Quick navigation for University of Denver applicants
University of Denver acceptance rate 2026: clear answer first
| Search question | Direct answer | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| University of Denver acceptance rate 2026 | About 85.4% using latest official CDS Fall 2025 applicants and admits. | DU is accessible for many prepared applicants, but not automatic. |
| How many applied? | 16,637 first-time, first-year applicants. | Large enough pool that incomplete files and weak materials can hurt. |
| How many were admitted? | 14,205 first-time, first-year admits. | Most qualified applicants are admitted, but standards still matter. |
| How many enrolled? | 1,174 first-time, first-year enrollees. | DU’s enrolling class is much smaller than the admitted pool. |
| Is DU a safety school? | It can be likely for strong applicants. | Not safe if GPA, rigor, recommendation, essay or materials are weak. |
| Does acceptance rate apply to every path? | No. | Music, art/design, homeschool, non-graded schools and international applicants have extra considerations. |
University of Denver admissions profile: numbers that matter
| Official profile item | Number / detail | Applicant takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Applicants | 16,637 | DU has a real applicant pool, so apply with a complete file. |
| Admitted | 14,205 | Accessible, but the transcript still drives review. |
| Enrolled | 1,174 | Admitted students often compare DU with other private and public options. |
| Average accepted GPA | 3.79 weighted | A strong GPA is useful for admission and merit scholarships. |
| GPA middle 50% | 3.58–4.0 weighted; 3.4–3.9 unweighted | Use this range to estimate whether your transcript is competitive. |
| Average SAT | 1320 | Submit SAT if it strengthens your application. |
| SAT middle 50% | 1230–1410 | Scores inside or above this range can help. |
| Average ACT | 30.5 | Submit ACT if it supports academic readiness. |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–33 | Scores inside or above this range can support merit/admission review. |
University of Denver GPA, SAT and ACT: what is competitive?
GPA answer
Average accepted GPA: 3.79 weighted. Middle 50%: 3.58–4.0 weighted and 3.4–3.9 unweighted.
SAT answer
Average SAT: 1320. Middle 50%: 1230–1410. Submit only if it helps.
ACT answer
Average ACT: 30.5. Middle 50%: 28–33. Submit if it strengthens the file.
Test optional answer
DU is test optional. Test scores are not required for admission or merit scholarships.
| Your profile | What it means | Best move |
|---|---|---|
| 3.8+ weighted GPA | You are around or above DU’s average accepted GPA. | Apply early and focus on fit, essay and recommendation. |
| 3.4–3.9 unweighted GPA | You fall inside DU’s middle 50% unweighted range. | Show course rigor and academic consistency. |
| Below 3.4 unweighted | Admission can still be possible, but risk increases. | Use essay, counselor recommendation, upward trend and activities to add context. |
| SAT 1230–1410+ | Inside or above accepted-student middle 50%. | Consider submitting official scores. |
| ACT 28–33+ | Inside or above accepted-student middle 50%. | Consider submitting official scores. |
| Non-graded school applicant | Can apply without official SAT/ACT. | Submit scores for merit scholarship competitiveness if available. |
University of Denver test optional policy: submit SAT/ACT or skip?
| Testing situation | DU rule / detail | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Most applicants | Test optional. | Submit scores only if they strengthen the application. |
| Scores submitted | Reviewed with other materials for admission and merit scholarships. | Send official scores using SAT code 4842 or ACT code 0534. |
| Self-reported Common App scores | DU does not consider self-reported scores entered on the Common App. | Send official scores or follow DU’s score upload rules if eligible. |
| Subject tests / writing sections | DU does not consider subject tests or writing sections. | Focus on SAT composite or ACT composite. |
| Superscore | DU combines best sub-scores or accepts superscore from testing agency. | Send score reports that help DU see your strongest composite. |
| Test-submitter changes mind | Applicant must update test-optional status in the portal. | Do not leave file incomplete by promising scores and not sending them. |
| Document timing | DU allows 14 days after deadline for additional required materials. | Still order scores early because testing agencies can take time. |
University of Denver application deadlines: ED I, EA, ED II and Regular Decision
| Plan | Application deadline | Decision timing | Binding? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 1 | December 15 in CDS | Yes | Students certain DU is first choice. |
| Early Action | November 1 | January 15 in CDS | No | Students who want earlier review without binding commitment. |
| Early Decision II | January 15 | February 20 in CDS | Yes | Students who become certain DU is first choice later. |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | Late February / early March per DU FAQ | No | Students comparing colleges and financial aid options. |
University of Denver application requirements: what you need
| Requirement | DU detail | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Application | DU accepts the Common Application. | Rushing the Common App essay because DU has a high admit rate. |
| Essay | One required Common App essay. | Writing a generic essay with no personality or growth. |
| Application fee | $65 nonrefundable fee, with fee waiver option for eligible students. | Submitting without completing fee/waiver steps. |
| Transcript | Official high school transcript or GED verification required. | Waiting until after deadline to send transcript. |
| Counselor recommendation | Required through school report, counselor recommendation form or personal letter. | Not giving counselor enough time. |
| Additional letters | Optional from teachers, coaches or mentors. | Sending extra letters that repeat the same thing instead of adding context. |
| Test scores | Optional, official, no subject tests or writing sections. | Entering self-reported Common App scores and assuming DU will use them. |
| Need-based aid | CSS Profile code 4842; FAFSA code 001371. | Waiting until after admission to think about aid. |
Extra application steps: music, art/design, homeschool, GED and international
| Applicant type / program | Extra DU detail | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Music majors | Must submit Lamont School of Music supplemental application and audition or portfolio materials. | Apply through Common App first, then complete Lamont steps through the applicant portal. |
| Art/design BFA applicants | Must include a portfolio with supplemental materials. | Contact the art department and prepare portfolio before deadline pressure. |
| Homeschooled applicants | Can apply with or without SAT/ACT, but must submit a recommendation from a non-family member. | Use a coach, employer, tutor or mentor who can speak to potential. |
| GED students | Submit high school transcript showing completed coursework and one recommendation, preferably from a former teacher or counselor. | Do not send only GED proof if transcript/recommendation is needed. |
| Non-graded high school applicants | Can be considered without SAT/ACT, but scores are encouraged for merit scholarship competitiveness. | Submit scores if they strengthen merit consideration. |
| International first-year applicants | Common App, supporting materials, optional test scores and English proficiency requirements. | Meet Nov. 1 or Jan. 15 deadlines with all supplemental documents. |
| Applicants over 24 | May submit employer recommendation instead of school counselor recommendation if out of high school three or more years with no prior college credit. | Choose a recommender who can explain work ethic and readiness. |
University of Denver admissions video guide
The video below is the YouTube URL provided for this article. Use it as a student-experience resource, then return to the checklist to finish your application plan.
University of Denver application checklist before you submit
Scholarships and financial aid: what DU applicants should know
| Money question | Useful DU detail | Action step |
|---|---|---|
| Merit scholarships | Applicants are automatically considered after completing the admission application. | Make transcript, essay and recommendation strong. |
| Financial aid volume | DU says it provides more than $170 million in financial aid to undergraduates each year. | Do not skip aid just because DU is private. |
| ED merit incentive | ED admits receive an additional $5,000 merit scholarship, with exceptions noted by DU. | Only use ED if DU is truly first choice. |
| CSS Profile | DU school code 4842. | Submit if seeking need-based aid. |
| FAFSA | DU FAFSA code 001371. | Student and at least one parent should request FSA IDs. |
| International applicants | Eligible for additional ED merit aid, but not need-based aid under DU’s stated ED incentive note. | Review cost carefully before applying Early Decision. |
Common mistakes that hurt University of Denver applicants
- Only looking at the 85.4% rate: Acceptance rate does not replace a strong transcript and complete application.
- Writing a weak Common App essay: DU requires the essay, so use it to show personality, growth and fit.
- Forgetting the counselor recommendation: DU requires counselor recommendation, school report or personal letter.
- Assuming self-reported scores count: DU does not consider Common App self-reported test scores.
- Applying as test-submitter but not sending scores: Your file can become incomplete unless you switch to test optional in the portal.
- Missing the 14-day material window: Extra materials can be sent after deadline, but waiting is risky.
- Applying ED only for scholarship money: ED is binding and should be used only if DU is first choice.
- Forgetting music/art portfolio steps: Some programs need audition, portfolio or supplemental materials.
- Submitting extra letters with no value: Optional letters should add new context, not repeat the counselor letter.
- Skipping financial aid steps: CSS Profile and FAFSA have separate codes and timing.
Official University of Denver links and sources
The key details are summarized above. Use these official DU pages to verify current rules, deadlines and application requirements before submitting.
Official institutional data source for applicants, admits, enrolled students, test scores, GPA and deadlines.
Official GPA, SAT, ACT, test-optional and whole-person review guidance.
Official overview of Common App, deadlines, ED/EA/RD and financial aid notes.
Official Common App, fee, transcript, recommendation, testing, resume and special applicant steps.
Official test score, self-reporting, portal, deadline, deferral, music and document answers.
Official international first-year deadlines, English proficiency and supporting document guidance.
FAQs about University of Denver acceptance rate 2026
What is the University of Denver acceptance rate for 2026?
The latest official DU CDS Fall 2025 figures show 16,637 first-year applicants and 14,205 admits, which calculates to about an 85.4% acceptance rate.
Is the University of Denver hard to get into?
DU is broadly accessible overall, but not automatic. GPA, course rigor, Common App essay, counselor recommendation, deadline choice and program requirements still matter.
What GPA do you need for the University of Denver?
DU lists the average GPA for accepted Fall 2025 students as 3.79 weighted, with a middle 50% range of 3.58–4.0 weighted and 3.4–3.9 unweighted.
What SAT score is good for the University of Denver?
DU lists an average SAT of 1320 for accepted Fall 2025 students, with a middle 50% range of 1230–1410.
What ACT score is good for the University of Denver?
DU lists an average ACT of 30.5 for accepted Fall 2025 students, with a middle 50% range of 28–33.
Is the University of Denver test optional?
Yes. DU is test optional. SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission or merit scholarships, but students may submit scores if they strengthen the application.
What are University of Denver application deadlines?
DU lists November 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action, and January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision.
Does the University of Denver use the Common Application?
Yes. DU accepts the Common Application. The application includes one required Common App essay.
Does DU require recommendations?
Yes. DU requires a school counselor recommendation, school report, counselor recommendation form or personal letter. Additional letters are optional.
How can I improve my University of Denver application?
Apply by the right deadline, keep GPA and rigor strong, write a thoughtful Common App essay, request a strong counselor recommendation, show DU involvement, use test optional strategically and complete extra requirements for music, art/design, homeschool, GED or international applicants.