University of Denver Scholarships (2025–2026)

Q: 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.

Q: Are there Honors-specific scholarships?

No automatic award for incoming Honors students. One small named scholarship (Preisendanz-Schmid) exists for seniors; many students later tap into research or departmental funding.

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What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Sending a student to a private school like the University of Denver can feel daunting when you see the price tag, but there are real scholarships and grants that cut those numbers down. This guide breaks down the automatic merit tiers, special competitive and identity awards, and even study abroad and ROTC benefits that DU families often overlook. Be sure to check out our Colorado state aid guide alongside the full CRP scholarships hub so you don’t miss extra savings.

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Denver

Expense	Annual Cost (All Students)
Tuition (12–18 credits/quarter × 3)	$61,848
Mandatory Fees	$1,398
Housing & Meals (standard plan)	$18,593
Books & Supplies	$1,000
Transportation	$627–1,402
Personal Expenses	$1,728
Loan Fees (average)	$70
Total (before aid)	≈ $85,264

Average Net Price: According to the U.S. Department of Education, families actually paid an average of $48,297 per year (after scholarships and grants, no loans) in 2022–2023.

Reciprocity & Regional Discounts: The University of Denver is a private university and does not offer in-state/out-of-state pricing, nor does it participate in WUE or other state reciprocity programs. All students pay the same tuition.

FAQ

Who qualifies for in-state tuition at DU?
There’s 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 $48k per year after grants and scholarships are applied.

Is the CSS Profile required?
Yes. DU requires both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile for need-based aid and departmental scholarships.

✅ 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.

Scholarship	Award Amount (Annual)	Eligibility (plain English)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Chancellor	$33,000	Top academic profile in rigorous courses; test scores considered if submitted (test optional allowed).	No	Yes (up to 12 quarters)	*~3.9+ GPA (UW) with strongest rigor; ACT 34+/SAT 1500+ if submitted (estimate).
Provost	$32,000	Excellent academics; holistic review.	No	Yes	*~3.8–3.9 GPA; ACT 32–33/SAT 1420–1490 if submitted (estimate).
Dean	$31,000	Strong academics in solid rigor; test optional okay.	No	Yes	*~3.7–3.8 GPA; ACT 31/SAT ~1390–1410 if submitted (estimate).
University	$30,000	Very good grades and coursework; holistic review.	No	Yes	*~3.6–3.7 GPA; ACT 29–30/SAT 1330–1380 if submitted (estimate).
Pioneer	$29,000	Solid academics; rigor and context considered.	No	Yes	*~3.5–3.6 GPA; ACT 28–29/SAT ~1300–1320 if submitted (estimate).
Crimson & Gold	$28,000	Good grades; DU’s holistic review applies; test optional allowed.	No	Yes	*~3.3–3.5 GPA; ACT 26–27/SAT 1240–1290 if submitted (estimate).
Centennial	$27,000	Solid academics; overall file review.	No	Yes	*~3.1–3.3 GPA; ACT 24–25/SAT 1180–1230 if submitted (estimate).
Rocky Mountain	$16,000	Admitted students with developing academic profile; holistic review.	No	Yes	*Around 3.0 GPA; ACT ~22–23/SAT ~1100–1170 if submitted (estimate).

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 (ED/EA/RD) 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.

🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships

At many universities, flagship or “competitive” scholarships are the big-name awards with extra steps—essays, interviews, or special eligibility criteria. At the University of Denver, most scholarships for first-year students are automatic merit awards. DU does not currently offer a flagship-level competitive full-ride or named scholar program (such as Stamps or National Merit) for incoming freshmen outside of automatic merit.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
No flagship competitive scholarships are listed by the University of Denver for first-year students.

FAQ

Does DU have competitive flagship scholarships?
No. DU’s main awards are automatic merit tiers offered at admission. There are no separate full-ride or interview-based flagship scholarships for freshmen.

What if my student is a National Merit Finalist?
DU does not publish an institutional National Merit award. Students may still use any outside National Merit stipends, but there’s no extra DU-sponsored package tied to that status.

Are there any competitive scholarships later on?
Yes. Continuing students can apply for departmental awards, donor-funded scholarships, and honors-specific funding after the first year, but these are not part of DU’s flagship first-year scholarship lineup.

Where should families focus instead?
Plan around DU’s automatic merit tiers, then add in need-based aid (FAFSA + CSS Profile), plus outside private scholarships for additional stacking.

💎 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.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Cherrington Global Scholars	Covers DU tuition while abroad (aid follows)	Admitted undergraduates in good standing on approved DU Partner study abroad programs	Yes (through Study Abroad office)	Per term abroad	Students who apply early and choose DU Partner programs; aid applies seamlessly
ROTC (Army & Air Force via CU Boulder)	Up to full tuition + fees + monthly stipend + book allowance	Students meeting ROTC academic, physical fitness, and service obligations	Yes (national ROTC application)	Yes, with performance and contract	Students committed to commissioning as officers; STEM and leadership applicants often succeed
Native American & Indigenous Scholarships	Ranges from full tuition to full cost of attendance	Documented tribal affiliation or Sand Creek Descendant status	Yes (via Native American & Indigenous Initiatives)	Yes, if eligibility maintained	Students who provide required documentation and maintain enrollment
Path Forward Grant	Up to $2,500 (sophomore year)	First-years who complete advising, registration, FAFSA, and CSS steps early	Program participation	No	Students who meet all milestones by posted deadlines
DU Educational Grant	Varies by need (often $5,000–$25,000)	Students who file FAFSA and CSS Profile showing demonstrated financial need	No (automatic with aid application)	Yes (recalculated annually)	Students from low- to middle-income households who demonstrate need on both forms
Elevate Grant	Varies by exceptional need (often $1,000–$10,000)	Students with the highest demonstrated need, as determined by FAFSA and CSS Profile	No (automatic with aid application)	Yes (recalculated annually)	Students with very high financial need, often first-gen or low-income backgrounds
CWC Leadership Scholars Program	Up to $6,000 per year	Applicants demonstrating financial need and commitment to civic leadership	Yes (program application required)	Yes, if in good standing	Students accepted into the cohort who actively engage in leadership and service projects
1GenU Book Scholarship	$150 per quarter ($450 annually)	First-generation students participating in the 1GenU program	Yes (program sign-up)	Yes, while in program	First-generation students who remain active in 1GenU workshops and mentoring

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.

⭐ 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.

🎖️ 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

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.

📎 Official Links

Links verified current as of September 24, 2025.

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.

✅ Last updated: September 24, 2025