University of Denver Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 5, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~59%
- Middle 50% ACT: 29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1315
- Average GPA: 3.8
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: Treat DU as a reach. You’ll need strong essays and activities, and even then admission and meaningful merit are both uphill battles.
- In the typical ranges: This is a true match school—but not a “safe.” Expect solid merit offers ($20K+), but the biggest awards are still competitive and not guaranteed.
- Well above the ranges: You’re in position for top merit, but don’t assume full tuition. DU’s biggest awards (DU Scholar, Daniels Fund) are selective and leadership-heavy, not just stats-based.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Denver at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tuition Scholarship & Native American & Indigenous Scholarships)
Average Net Price
$39,527/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$2,500–$33,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
29 opportunities
13 automatic · 4 competitive · 11 hidden gem · 1 honors
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Feb 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tuition Scholarship & Native American & Indigenous Scholarships
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA & CSS Profile
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of Denver (Read This First)
- DU requires the CSS Profile for full need-based aid consideration—FAFSA alone isn’t enough.
- The biggest awards (DU Scholar, Daniels Fund) are highly competitive or nomination-based—they’re not something most admitted students receive.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Denver is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 29; SAT: 1315.
Average net price? About $39,527/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Denver 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$63,246 |
$63,246 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$18,593 |
$18,593 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$81,839 |
$81,839 |
Average Federal Net Price: $39,527 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Reciprocity & Regional Discounts: DU is a private university and does not offer in-state or out-of-state pricing.
It also does not participate in WUE or other regional reciprocity programs. All undergraduate students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state tuition at DU?
No distinction—everyone pays the same rate because DU is private.
How much do most families actually pay?
The federal average net price is about $39,527 per year after scholarships and grants are applied.
Is the CSS Profile required?
Yes. DU requires both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile for institutional and departmental need-based aid.
Sources:
https://www.du.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-and-fees/undergraduate (University of Denver — Tuition & Fees)
https://www.du.edu/housing/ (Housing & Dining Costs)
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?127060-University-of-Denver (College Scorecard — Average Net Price $39,527, 2022–23 cycle)
https://wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/ (WUE program confirmation — private universities excluded)
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
All first-year applicants are automatically considered for DU’s admission-based merit scholarships. Amounts below are annual and typically renew for up to 12 quarters (excludes summers) with full-time enrollment and Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Automatic
Chancellor Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (ED I/EA); Jan 15 (ED II/RD)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Locked in at the same amount for up to 12 full-time quarters as long as your student maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress. Stacks with need-based grants and outside scholarships up to cost of attendance. Early Decision admits also receive an additional $5,000/year ED bonus on top of this award (excluding athletes and music majors), and on-campus residents add the $3,000 Residence Hall Grant.
💡
Strategic Detail
DU's published 2026-27 first-year merit range is $15,000–$40,000 per year, awarded automatically and fixed for four years. The Chancellor sits at the top of DU's internal tier structure; while DU no longer publishes the named-tier ladder, donor and alumni materials still reference Chancellor as the flagship merit award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
DU's strongest first-year admits — students with the most rigorous coursework, top grades, and standout academic narratives. DU does not publish hard GPA or test cutoffs, so think 'top of the admitted pool,' not a checklist.
Automatic
Provost Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (ED I/EA); Jan 15 (ED II/RD)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewable at the same dollar amount for up to 12 full-time quarters with Satisfactory Academic Progress. Combines with need-based aid and outside scholarships within cost-of-attendance limits. ED admits earn an extra $5,000/year bonus, and on-campus residents add the $3,000 Residence Hall Grant.
💡
Strategic Detail
DU publishes a $15,000–$40,000 first-year merit range; the Provost tier sits near the top of DU's internal merit ladder, though specific named-tier amounts are no longer advertised on DU's public pages.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Very strong first-year admits sitting just below DU's top academic tier — students with rigorous schedules, high grades, and a clear academic story, but perhaps without the Chancellor-level standout factor.
Automatic
Dean Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (ED I/EA); Jan 15 (ED II/RD)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Automatically renewable at the same dollar amount for up to 12 quarters of full-time enrollment with Satisfactory Academic Progress. Combines with need-based grants, external scholarships, and the $3,000 Residence Hall Grant for on-campus residents. ED admits add a $5,000/year ED bonus.
💡
Strategic Detail
Falls within DU's $15,000–$40,000 first-year merit range. DU pages note merit awards are fixed for all four years provided students remain enrolled full time and meet aid eligibility.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Strong admits with very good — though not top-of-class — academics. DU notes that roughly 99% of new undergraduates receive some form of merit, so this tier captures a wide swath of admitted students.
Automatic
University Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (ED I/EA); Jan 15 (ED II/RD)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renews at the same dollar amount for up to 12 full-time quarters. Stacks with need-based aid, outside scholarships, and the $3,000 Residence Hall Grant when living on campus. ED admits add the $5,000/year ED bonus.
💡
Strategic Detail
Falls within DU's $15,000–$40,000 first-year merit range. Like all DU merit, the amount is assigned at admission and stays constant as long as eligibility is maintained.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with very good grades and solid coursework who land squarely in DU's broad mid-merit zone — admitted, but not in the topmost tiers.
Automatic
Pioneer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (ED I/EA); Jan 15 (ED II/RD)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Locked at the same award for up to 12 full-time quarters. Stacks with other aid up to cost of attendance, including the $3,000 Residence Hall Grant for on-campus residents and the $5,000/year ED bonus for Early Decision enrollees.
💡
Strategic Detail
Falls within DU's $15,000–$40,000 first-year merit range. Awards are fixed and part of DU's automatic admission-based merit ladder.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Solidly admissible students with strong-but-not-elite academics — competitive for DU's holistic review but below the top merit bands.
Automatic
Crimson & Gold Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (ED I/EA); Jan 15 (ED II/RD)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewable for up to 12 quarters of full-time enrollment. Stacks with the $3,000 Residence Hall Grant for on-campus residents and the $5,000/year ED bonus. Combines with need-based aid up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Falls within DU's $15,000–$40,000 first-year merit range. Renewable for up to 12 quarters with full-time enrollment and Satisfactory Academic Progress.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-year students with good — but not top-tier — academic profiles, sitting comfortably in DU's broad mid-range merit pool.
Automatic
Centennial Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (ED I/EA); Jan 15 (ED II/RD)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renews at the same amount for up to 12 quarters with full-time enrollment. Combines with DU need-based aid, external scholarships, the $3,000 Residence Hall Grant, and the $5,000/year ED bonus within cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Falls within DU's $15,000–$40,000 first-year merit range. Renewable for up to 12 quarters when full-time.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted students whose academics are solid but toward the lower end of DU's broad automatic merit range.
Automatic
Rocky Mountain Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (ED I/EA); Jan 15 (ED II/RD)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Sits at the floor of DU's first-year merit ladder. Renewable for up to 12 quarters with full-time enrollment. IMPORTANT: Rocky Mountain Scholarship recipients are the ONE merit tier NOT eligible for the $3,000 Residence Hall Grant, so plan housing costs accordingly. Stacks with need-based aid and the $5,000/year ED bonus.
💡
Strategic Detail
Falls at the lower end of DU's $15,000–$40,000 first-year merit range. The only merit tier excluded from the $3,000 Residence Hall Grant when living on campus.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admits with more modest academic records who still earn a spot at DU through holistic review — the entry-level rung of DU's automatic merit.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Transfer Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling per DU transfer admission deadlines
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$12,000–$25,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
DU uses final college transcripts to estimate time to degree completion and determine the number of remaining quarters of scholarship eligibility. Transfers can stack this with Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship if they were prior PTK members, plus federal/state aid. Transfer students are NOT eligible for the $3,000 Residence Hall Grant.
💡
Strategic Detail
Transfer applicants are considered for merit scholarships of $12,000 to $25,000 per year, in addition to institutional aid if FAFSA and CSS Profile are submitted. Music majors awarded a Lamont scholarship are not also eligible for this transfer merit.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted transfer students whose college coursework demonstrates strong academic performance. The full range ($12K–$25K) reflects DU's holistic evaluation of transcript rigor and GPA.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Residence Hall Grant
📅 Deadline: Tied to merit scholarship award and on-campus housing assignment
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Pays directly toward tuition costs — NOT housing or meal plans. Students must satisfy DU's two-year live-on requirement to remain eligible; if they move off campus in year 3 or 4, they LOSE this grant for those years. Rocky Mountain Scholarship recipients are NOT eligible. Transfers are NOT eligible.
💡
Strategic Detail
A $3,000 annual grant added automatically to merit scholarship recipients who live on campus in eligible 2026-27 housing (Centennial Halls/Towers, Dimond Family Residential Village, Hilltop, J-Mac, Lynn Marie, Mesa, Nagel, Nelson, Ridgeline, Summit, TLC House, University Place). Excluded buildings or off-campus housing forfeit the grant.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-year and continuing on-campus residents holding any DU merit scholarship except the Rocky Mountain tier. Roughly 1,350 future leaders enroll annually, and the vast majority qualify.
Automatic
Early Decision Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (ED I) or Jan 15 (ED II)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
An automatic $5,000/year on top of the student's admission merit scholarship for all four years. ED is binding — only commit if DU is the clear first choice. Note: Students receiving athletic aid OR music scholarships are NOT eligible for this ED bonus.
💡
Strategic Detail
Early Decision applicants who enroll receive an additional $5,000 scholarship per year on top of their automatic merit scholarship. Excludes students receiving athletic aid and music majors awarded a Lamont scholarship.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Every ED I or ED II enrollee (with a merit scholarship) who is not also receiving athletic aid or a Lamont music scholarship. It's the simplest 'free money' decision in DU's aid model — but only if your student is certain about attending.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Submit with transfer admission application
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks on top of the Transfer Merit Scholarship and renews automatically as long as the student maintains good academic standing. A nice extra $2,500/year for PTK members making the move to DU.
💡
Strategic Detail
A $2,500 award for transfer students with prior Phi Theta Kappa membership. Automatic renewal for students who maintain good academic standing. Designed to recognize community college academic excellence.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students who joined Phi Theta Kappa at their community college and can document membership through a transcript notation or chapter letter.
Full TuitionAutomatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tuition Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Submit with admission application
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tribal_tuition_scholarship
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers the standard cost of tuition automatically — no separate application needed. Stacks with federal, state, and other institutional aid up to cost of attendance. Renewable for 12 quarters from initial enrollment or until bachelor's completion.
💡
Strategic Detail
DU provides the standard cost of tuition to admitted students from the Cheyenne & Arapaho of Oklahoma, Northern Cheyenne of Montana, and Northern Arapaho of Wyoming tribes — honoring DU's historical ties and ongoing partnerships with these nations. Awarded automatically with tribal enrollment documentation; no scholarship application needed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted DU students with documented enrollment in the Cheyenne & Arapaho of Oklahoma, Northern Cheyenne of Montana, or Northern Arapaho of Wyoming tribes.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Notes: Early Decision admits receive an additional $5,000 merit scholarship (athletes on athletic aid and music majors are ineligible for this ED bonus). Some tiers include a $3,000 residence hall grant for on-campus housing in the first year. Awards are fixed once offered and typically renew at the same amount each year (see DU policy).
FAQ
How are these awards decided?
DU uses a holistic academic review—course rigor, grades/GPA, and (if submitted) test scores—to place students into the scholarship tiers.
Is test-optional okay for merit?
Yes. Submitting SAT/ACT is optional; scores are only considered if you choose to send them.
Do they superscore?
Yes. If you submit scores, DU will superscore the SAT or ACT by combining your best sub-scores from multiple sittings to create your highest composite.
Can these stack with need-based aid or outside scholarships?
Generally, DU merit can combine with need-based grants and outside/private scholarships up to your billed costs/standard cost of attendance. Departmental awards may be added in later years.
Any priority dates?
Apply by DU’s admission deadlines: Nov 1 (Early Decision I/Early Action); Jan 15 (Early Decision II/Regular Decision) for automatic consideration. Early Decision enrollees receive the additional $5,000 merit bonus.
*Estimate disclaimer: GPA/test bands above are parent-friendly guides based on DU’s tier amounts and selectivity context. DU does not publish official cutoffs; outcomes vary by overall profile and rigor.
Sources:
DU Scholarships – https://admission.du.edu/cost/merit-scholarships
DU Financial Aid – https://www.du.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships-grants.html
DU Application Deadlines – https://admission.du.edu/apply/deadlines
🏆 Competitive Scholarships at the University of Denver
The University of Denver primarily awards automatic merit scholarships to incoming first-year students. However, a few programs—both university-sponsored and external—stand out for their prestige or competitive selection. These are the closest DU equivalents to “flagship” scholarships at other universities.
App Required
DU Scholar & Leadership Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Invited rounds typically run February through April
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$5,000–$15,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed to layer on top of DU's automatic merit, subject to institutional cost-of-attendance ceilings. Renewable annually with continued GPA and participation expectations.
📄
How to Apply
First, be admitted to DU with an automatic merit scholarship. Then, if invited, complete the additional DU Scholar or Leadership-track activities — typically short supplemental essays, virtual info sessions, and interviews — during the late-winter and early-spring rounds.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing leadership, service, and potential campus impact in addition to academic record.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
This category of competitive supplemental awards adds roughly $5,000–$15,000 per year on top of automatic merit for selected leaders. DU's public pages describe these as part of its overall grant and scholarship portfolio; invitations come from Undergraduate Admission.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admits with strong academics PLUS standout leadership, service impact, or community engagement — students who can tell a compelling story beyond grades and shine in supplemental essays and interviews.
Full TuitionApp Required
Lamont Music Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Lamont audition deadlines posted annually; notification within two weeks of admission decision · 📢 Results: Within two weeks of the admission decision
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
talent_scholarship
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
CRITICAL: Lamont music scholarship recipients are NOT eligible to also receive DU's automatic admission merit scholarships OR institutional need-based grants (DU Educational Grant, Elevate Grant). Families must compare the Lamont package to what their student would receive through automatic merit + need-based aid and choose accordingly.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to DU and indicate your interest in the Lamont School of Music. Submit a music audition (recorded or in-person) following Lamont's audition guidelines. Lamont reviews talent, academic merit, and financial need together for a comprehensive scholarship decision.
Selection criteria: Holistic review combining audition/talent, academic merit, and financial need.
🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Lamont School of Music applicants are holistically considered for a comprehensive scholarship ranging from $1,000 to full tuition. Talent, academic merit, and financial need are all considered together. Recipients are NOT also eligible for admission merit scholarships or institutional need-based grants — it's an either/or.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Talented musicians (instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, etc.) whose auditions stand out alongside strong academic credentials. The full range — from $1,000 to full tuition — reflects how holistically Lamont weighs talent, academics, and financial need together.
Full RideApp Required
Native American Community Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Application window typically opens in May; check the program for current dates (2026-27 cycle reopens in 2027)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
tribal_community_full_cost_scholarship
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited number of selections each year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers the standard cost of tuition, fees, food and housing, and books — effectively a full cost-of-attendance award. Recipients must attend quarterly check-ins with the Director of Community Connections, maintain full-time enrollment, and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress. Renewable for 12 quarters from initial enrollment.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to DU. Complete the separate Community Scholarship application demonstrating commitment to and involvement in Native American and Indigenous communities. Submit FAFSA, CSS Profile, and other requested financial aid documents (financial need is considered but not required). Coordinate with DU's Native American Community and Indigenous Initiatives office.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of admission application plus demonstrated commitment to Native American and Indigenous communities.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
A competitive identity-based award covering the standard cost of tuition, fees, food, housing, and books for students committed to Native American and Indigenous communities. Financial need is considered but not required. Involvement with the Native Student Alliance is encouraged but not required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-year and transfer students with deep commitment to Native American and Indigenous communities. Selections are competitive and limited each year — strength of admission application plus demonstrated community involvement drives committee decisions.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Empowerment Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Application window typically opens in May; check the program for current dates
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tribal_community_tuition_scholarship
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited number of selections each year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers the standard cost of tuition. Recipients must attend quarterly check-ins with the Director of Community Connections and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. Renewable for 12 quarters (first-year admits) or for the estimated time-to-degree based on transfer credits (transfers).
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to DU as a first-year or transfer student. Complete the separate Empowerment Scholarship application demonstrating involvement in and contributions to Native American and Indigenous communities. Submit FAFSA, CSS Profile, and ALL requested financial aid documents — demonstrated financial need is REQUIRED.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of admission application, community involvement in Native/Indigenous communities, and demonstrated financial need.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
A competitive tuition-coverage scholarship for students with both community involvement in Native American and Indigenous communities AND documented financial need. Open to both first-year and transfer applicants. Selections are limited each year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-year and transfer students with demonstrated community involvement AND documented financial need. Both pieces are required — strong community story alone is not enough.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Estimates are based on University of Denver materials, Common Data Set info, and Daniels Fund recipient data. GPA/test ranges reflect typical awardees, not strict cutoffs.*
Note: DU’s Chancellor’s Scholarship is the university’s highest automatic merit award. The Daniels Fund Scholarship is external but widely recognized as DU’s top full-ride partnership opportunity.
FAQ
- Does DU offer a full-ride scholarship? Not internally. The Daniels Fund is the main full-ride option for DU students, though it’s awarded externally.
- What makes the DU Scholar Awards competitive? They emphasize leadership, service, and campus impact beyond GPA.
- Can these awards stack with need-based aid? Yes — most DU scholarships can be combined with FAFSA or CSS Profile–based aid, up to cost of attendance.
Sources:
DU Scholar Awards – https://admission.du.edu/cost/merit-scholarships
Daniels Fund Scholarship – https://www.danielsfund.org/scholarships/
Daniels Fund Deadline – https://danielsfund.org/Scholarships
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Outside of the main merit tiers, the University of Denver has several “hidden gem” programs that can save families money. These are usually tied to special circumstances—identity-based aid, ROTC service commitments, or unique DU opportunities like study abroad cost-parity.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Departmental & Endowed Scholarships
📅 Deadline: March 31 (annual Departmental Scholarship Application close)
Non-Renewable
👥 ~500+ gift and endowed scholarships awarded annually. winners/yr🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Departmental awards generally stack with merit and need-based aid up to cost of attendance. Most are awarded to continuing students (sophomores, juniors, seniors) after they've declared a major and taken coursework in their field. Select departmental scholarships are available for incoming first-year students by department invitation only.
📄
How to Apply
Submit DU's Departmental Scholarship Application (single online form covers all department awards). To be considered for need-based departmental scholarships, also submit CSS Profile, FAFSA, and any requested financial aid documents by the priority deadline. Continuing undergraduates apply each year for awards in their major or area of interest.
Selection criteria: Varies by department and specific scholarship; combinations of academic merit, financial need, major fit, and departmental engagement.
💡
Strategic Detail
DU awards over 500 gift and endowed scholarships each year through academic departments. Most go to continuing students entering their second, third, or fourth year — students apply through the single annual Departmental Scholarship Application that closes March 31. A combination of merit-based, need-based, and hybrid criteria; specific awards vary by department and major.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Continuing DU undergraduates (typically sophomores and above) who have declared a major and built relationships with their department. Over 500 gift and endowed scholarships are awarded annually — meaning many engaged students earn at least one departmental award before graduation.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Cherrington Global Scholars
📅 Deadline: Study abroad application deadlines (typically mid-January for the following academic year)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cherrington is structured as a financial benefit, not a separate cash scholarship — DU institutional aid travels with the student while abroad and continues to apply to DU tuition for eligible partner programs. Some travel and fee benefits may also apply depending on the policy year.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for and be approved to participate in an eligible DU Partner Program through the Office of International Education. Complete required study abroad steps, Cherrington Global Scholars enrollment forms, and meet all program deadlines.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based; participation requires academic and disciplinary good standing and completion of study abroad requirements.
💡
Strategic Detail
Cherrington Global Scholars is one of DU's signature study abroad benefits — DU institutional aid (merit and need-based) follows you onto approved DU Partner Programs rather than freezing for the term you're abroad. Cost savings vary widely depending on the program country and length.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates in good academic and disciplinary standing who plan study abroad early, choose approved DU Partner Programs, and check every required box. The 'gem' here is structural: DU aid follows you abroad rather than disappearing during the term overseas.
App Required⚠ Sophomore Only
Path Forward Grant
📅 Deadline: Program milestones must be completed by the spring deadline (typically late March)
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Up to 150 students per cohort, subject to funding. winners/yr🎓 Sophomore
✚
Stacking & Combining
The grant gets added to the following year's need-based aid package. DU may adjust other institutional aid so total funding remains within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Eligible first-year students invited by the Office of Student Success must register for the Path Forward Program, attend required advising meetings, register for next-year terms on time, and complete all program milestones by the spring deadline to qualify for the grant in the following academic year.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based; awards depend on completion of program milestones and high demonstrated financial need.
💡
Strategic Detail
Path Forward Program FAQs describe a need-based grant of up to $2,500 for the following academic year. Limited to the first 150 eligible first-year students who complete program requirements and demonstrate financial need via FAFSA and CSS Profile.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-time first-year undergraduates with high financial need who are invited to the Path Forward Program AND complete every required advising meeting and registration milestone on time. The first 150 eligible students who finish the program earn the grant.
Full RideApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Onlyidentity_based
Native American & Indigenous Scholarships
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
tuition_and_cost_of_attendance_support
✔ Stackable
⚠ For students who are Native American or deeply involved in Native/Indigenous communities only; some awards (e.g., Native American Community Scholarship) cover tuition, fees, room and board, and books, while others (e.g., Empowerment / Community Tuition scholarships) cover full standard tuition and are often stackable with DU institutional aid like Denver Promise to effectively reach full cost of attendance
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Scholarships such as the Community, Empowerment, Cheyenne and Arapaho, and Sand Creek Descendant awards coordinate with other institutional, state, and federal aid to cover tuition and in some cases standard cost of attendance; DU may adjust other aid so total does not exceed costs.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the DU admission application, complete FAFSA and CSS Profile as applicable, and provide required documentation of tribal affiliation or Sand Creek Descendant status to DU’s Native American Community and Indigenous Initiatives by the stated deadline.
Selection criteria: Selection considers tribal or descendant status, financial need for certain awards, and engagement or commitment to Native American and Indigenous communities.
💡
Strategic Detail
DU’s grants and scholarships page notes that the Sand Creek Descendant Scholarship pays standard cost of tuition, fees, food, housing, and books, while other Native-focused Community and Empowerment scholarships cover standard cost of attendance or full tuition for eligible students committed to Native American and Indigenous communities.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-year and transfer students with documented tribal affiliation or Sand Creek Descendant status who demonstrate connection to Native communities and meet DU’s full-time enrollment and progress standards.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
1GenU Book Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Program sign-up typically by mid-July for fall participation; dates vary
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
A small but meaningful book benefit ($150 per quarter, roughly $450 per academic year). Stacks with all other DU aid and does not typically affect the overall financial aid package.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to and enroll in the 1GenU first-generation student program. Stay active in the required workshops, advising, and mentoring throughout the year to receive the $150 book scholarship each academic quarter.
Selection criteria: Participation-based benefit for eligible first-generation students engaged in the 1GenU program.
💡
Strategic Detail
1GenU provides a $150 book scholarship each quarter (roughly three quarters per year = ~$450/year) for eligible first-generation students enrolled in the program. It's a participation-based benefit, not a competitive award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation students who enroll in 1GenU and stay engaged throughout the four-year program — attending the required workshops, advising sessions, and community-building events.
Full RideApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Sand Creek Descendant Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full_cost_of_attendance_tribal
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers the standard cost of tuition, fees, food, housing, and books for eligible descendants — effectively a full-cost-of-attendance award. DU may adjust other institutional aid so total funding stays within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the DU admission application and provide documentation establishing ancestral lineage to Sand Creek Massacre victims (e.g., tribal enrollment records, birth certificates, census data, marriage or death certificates). Complete FAFSA and CSS Profile by DU's priority deadline. Coordinate with DU's Native American and Indigenous Initiatives office.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based; verification of descendant status through DU's Native American Community and Indigenous Initiatives office.
💡
Strategic Detail
DU honors its historical connection to the Sand Creek Massacre through this distinct, identity-based award covering the standard cost of tuition, fees, food, housing, and books. Renewable for 12 quarters from initial enrollment or until bachelor's completion, whichever comes first.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Verified descendants of Sand Creek Massacre victims who can establish ancestral lineage through tribal or vital records and meet DU's full-time enrollment and academic progress requirements.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
DU Educational Grant
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
The DU Educational Grant can ONLY pay toward tuition costs — not housing or meal plans. It's packaged with federal, state, and other institutional aid; amounts can change year over year based on updated need and cost-of-attendance limits. Re-file FAFSA/CSS each year.
💡
Strategic Detail
DU lists this as one of its two most common institutional need-based grants (along with the Elevate Grant). Specific dollar amounts vary by year and financial circumstances — there is no published range. Students who receive athletic aid are NOT eligible for this grant.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with demonstrated financial need based on both FAFSA and CSS Profile — often from low- and middle-income families. This is DU's primary tuition-only institutional need grant.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Elevate Grant
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Unlike the DU Educational Grant (tuition-only), the Elevate Grant can pay toward non-tuition charges like housing and meals. Stacks with other grants and scholarships up to cost of attendance. Athletes receiving athletic aid are not eligible — students must pick athletic funding OR institutional need-based grants.
💡
Strategic Detail
The Elevate Grant pays toward charges beyond tuition (housing, meals, etc.) — making it a critical companion to the tuition-only DU Educational Grant for families facing high non-tuition costs. Award sizes vary based on Student Aid Index and available institutional funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with very high demonstrated financial need as calculated from FAFSA and CSS Profile — often including first-generation and low-income students.
App Required
CWC Leadership Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Early April (application); mid-April (interviews); late April (notifications)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~15-20 incoming first-year students per cohort. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Scholarship funds stack with DU automatic merit and need-based aid, subject to institutional gift-aid and cost-of-attendance limits. Important: CWC participants CANNOT simultaneously participate in PLP, Living & Learning Communities, or Puksta Scholars — only one cohort program at a time.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to DU first. Then submit the separate CWC Leadership Scholars application via the program's online form — including a resume or community-involvement description, a teacher or mentor letter of recommendation, and four required essays (250–500 words each). If selected, complete an interview during the program's April window. Cohort admits commit to the 24-credit Leadership Studies minor.
Selection criteria: Holistic review focused on civic engagement, leadership potential, alignment with feminist and culturally responsive leadership values, and demonstrated financial need.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
The Colorado Women's College Leadership Scholars Program provides up to $6,000 per year in scholarship support based on financial need, paired with a cohort experience, a required 24-credit Leadership Studies minor, two annual mountain retreats, and peer plus professional mentorship. Cohort size is 15–20 incoming first-years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming first-year, women-identifying students with demonstrated civic or community leadership and financial need who connect strongly with the program's feminist and culturally responsive leadership mission. The cohort is intentionally small — only 15–20 students per year.
App Required
Tuition Exchange (TE) Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Tuition Exchange application deadlines vary by participating institution
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
👥 ~Limited number per year for incoming TE students. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
IMPORTANT: If awarded the TE scholarship, the student's DU merit scholarship AND Residence Hall Grant are CANCELLED and replaced with the TE scholarship. However, TE recipients remain eligible for federal, state, and need-based institutional aid (subject to CSS Profile and FAFSA), plus gift and endowed scholarships up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
If your parent works full-time at a Tuition Exchange member institution OTHER than DU, apply through your parent's Tuition Exchange Liaison Officer at their employer for an Import TE scholarship to DU. Apply for DU undergraduate admission in parallel. DU's Import TELO Kelly Graves coordinates eligibility on the DU side.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based; verified through both DU admission review and the parent employer's TE Liaison Officer.
💡
Strategic Detail
DU joined the national Tuition Exchange program as a participating member beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. A limited number of TE scholarships are offered to eligible undergraduates for continuous full-time enrollment. Scholarship amounts increase annually to match the stated TE Program amount. Renewable for up to 12 quarters.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Dependent children (under age 25) of full-time employees at Tuition Exchange member schools other than DU. The student must also be admitted to DU on academic merit; the TE scholarship covers tuition based on the annual TE program amount.
App Required
Pathways Scholarship (Access DU)
📅 Deadline: Access DU 2026 application has closed; check annually for the next program cycle · 📢 Results: Late April for the Access DU program
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with DU automatic merit and other need-based aid up to cost of attendance. The Pathways Scholarship rewards completing the Access DU pipeline — it's a multi-step commitment, but the payoff is up to $7,500 per year for four years.
📄
How to Apply
As a rising high school junior or senior, apply to the Access DU summer program at DU (free to attend if accepted, with travel stipend available). Complete the 3-day on-campus experience in July successfully. If you then apply and enroll at DU, your $65 application fee is waived AND — based on financial need — you may receive the Pathways Scholarship for up to four years.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based; awarded to Access DU completers who enroll at DU and demonstrate financial need.
✎ Essays🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Access DU is a free 3-day summer residential program at DU for rising HS juniors and seniors. Successful participants who later enroll at DU may receive the Pathways Scholarship — up to $7,500 per year, renewable for 4 years — depending on financial need. US citizens, permanent residents, undocumented students, and DACA recipients are all eligible to apply.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving rising high school juniors and seniors — especially first-generation, low-income, rural, or historically underrepresented students — who attend the Access DU summer program, then apply to and enroll at DU, AND demonstrate financial need.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Award ranges for the DU Educational Grant and Elevate Grant are estimates based on typical institutional need-based grant sizes at private universities; actual amounts vary each year by FAFSA/CSS data.
- Pioneer Leadership Program (PLP): Selective residential leadership program; provides networking and access to internal/external awards, but not a fixed scholarship amount.
- The Denver Foundation Community Scholarship: External program for first-gen, economically disadvantaged students in the Denver area; amount varies.
FAQ
Do these hidden gem scholarships require extra applications?
Yes. Most are handled outside the general admission process—through the Study Abroad office, ROTC programs, or the Native American & Indigenous Initiatives office.
Can these awards stack with DU merit?
Generally, yes. They often layer on top of DU’s automatic scholarships, though total aid cannot exceed the standard cost of attendance.
Are these awards renewable?
ROTC and Native American & Indigenous awards can renew with continued eligibility. The Path Forward Grant is one-time, and study abroad funding only applies for the term(s) abroad.
When should families plan for these?
Freshmen should look ahead—ROTC applications open in high school, Native American programs require documentation, and study abroad planning should start early in the first year.
Sources:
DU Study Abroad Scholarships – https://www.du.edu/abroad/finances
Native American/Indigenous Aid – https://www.du.edu/native-american-community
DU Educational Grant/Elevate/1GenU – https://www.du.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships-grants.html
ROTC at DU – https://www.du.edu/registrar/rotofficer.html
CWC Leadership Scholars – https://academicaffairs.du.edu/cwc-leadership-scholars
🎖️ Honors College
The University Honors Program at DU is a small, selective community that admits less than half of applicants and enrolls about 6% of each incoming class. Students apply after being admitted to DU, and selection is based on essays, recommendations, and overall academic rigor. It’s designed for high-achieving students who want more intensive coursework and a close-knit academic environment.
What a Typical DU Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA above 3.8, challenging AP/IB or honors courses, strong writing skills, and a teacher recommendation that highlights intellectual curiosity and leadership.
Honors Perks That Matter:
- Priority registration each term
- Special Honors housing options for community and support
- Small, discussion-based seminars that replace about half of general ed requirements
- Faculty mentorship and guidance toward Distinction in the major
- Thesis or capstone opportunities with close faculty advising
| Scholarship |
Award Amount |
Eligibility |
Separate App? |
Renewable? |
Who Actually Wins? |
Deadline |
| Preisendanz-Schmid Scholarship (senior Honors award) |
Small one-time scholarship (amount varies by year) |
Rising Honors seniors, based on both merit and financial need |
Automatic consideration among eligible Honors seniors |
One-time |
A senior Honors student with significant achievement and need |
Spring quarter (annual selection) |
Money Matters for Honors Students:
Admission to Honors does not come with a dedicated freshman scholarship. However, Honors admits usually have the same strong profiles that qualify them for DU’s top automatic merit awards (like the Chancellor or Provost Scholarships). For continuing students, there is one named award — the Preisendanz-Schmid Scholarship — given to an exemplary Honors senior with both merit and financial need. Honors students are also well-positioned to win departmental and undergraduate research funding later on.
FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately after being admitted to DU. There are three rounds of applications, usually running from February through April.
Does the program add time to a degree?
No. Honors courses count toward DU’s Common Curriculum, so the program does not extend graduation time if students stay on track.
Are there Honors-specific scholarships?
No automatic award for incoming Honors students. Only one small named scholarship (Preisendanz-Schmid) exists for seniors, and many students later tap into research or departmental funding instead.
What are the deadlines?
For Fall 2026 applicants, deadlines were February 11 (Round 1), March 11 (Round 2), and April 8 (Round 3). Similar timelines are expected each year.
Sources:
DU Honors Program – https://www.du.edu/honors-program/
Honors Selection/Deadlines – https://www.du.edu/honors-program/apply/
Preisendanz-Schmid Scholarship – https://www.du.edu/honors-program/scholarships/
DU Merit Scholarships – https://admission.du.edu/cost/merit-scholarships
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Denver is a private R1 research university in the heart of Denver. Families who choose DU often do so for its unique combination of strong global programs, a nationally ranked business school, and a reputation in international affairs through the Korbel School. These strengths translate into real pipelines for jobs, internships, and graduate study.
🌍 Highlight: The Josef Korbel School of International Studies is consistently ranked among the top international affairs schools in the U.S. — Foreign Policy ranked it #12 for master’s and #20 for undergraduate international relations. This recognition makes DU a destination for students interested in diplomacy, security, and global policy careers.
- Daniels College of Business: Ranked in the Top 100 undergraduate business programs nationwide by U.S. News (2024); strong ties to Denver’s finance and consulting sectors.
- Study Abroad (Cherrington Global Scholars): One of the few programs in the country that lets students apply their DU tuition and financial aid directly to study abroad at partner universities, making global experience financially accessible.
- Law (Sturm College of Law): While graduate-level, its presence creates undergraduate pathways into legal research and public policy; DU Law is nationally noted for trial advocacy and environmental law.
- R1 Research Classification: As the only private R1 in the Rocky Mountain region, DU offers undergraduates access to faculty-led research across disciplines, from the natural sciences to social policy.
Final Thoughts
The University of Denver combines the opportunities of a private R1 research university with strong automatic merit scholarships and a wide range of hidden-gem programs like study abroad cost-parity, ROTC, and Indigenous scholarships. While it doesn’t have a flagship full-ride for freshmen, families can layer automatic merit with need-based aid, CSS Profile grants, and targeted programs to make DU far more affordable than the sticker price suggests. For students drawn to international affairs, business, or global experiences, DU offers a compelling blend of academics and support that can truly pay off.
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