University of Denver Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- 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
- 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
- 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.
DU grants and Native American scholarship information: https://www.du.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid-scholarships/undergraduate-financial-aid/types-aid/grants-scholarships
Crimson & Gold Scholarship listing (CollegeData, based on DU info): https://www.collegedata.com/scholarship-finder/276588
Scholarships360 overview based on University of Denver data: https://scholarships360.org/colleges/colorado/university-of-denver/
Path Forward Program page: https://academicaffairs.du.edu/about/planning-student-success/path-forward-program
DU Honors Program scholarships page: https://www.du.edu/honors-program/scholarships
DU Scholar Awards information: https://admission.du.edu/cost/merit-scholarships
DU Study Abroad financial aid page: https://internationalization.du.edu/abroad/financial/financial-aid
CWC Leadership Scholars Program page: https://academicaffairs.du.edu/cwc-leadership-scholars
Daniels Fund Scholarship program site: https://www.danielsfund.org/scholarships
1GenU first-generation initiatives page: https://studentaffairs.du.edu/first-generation/first-generation-initiatives-1genu
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 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.
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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (Annual) | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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). | Nov. 1 (ED/EA); Jan. 15 (ED II/RD) |
| Provost | $32,000 | Excellent academics; holistic review. | No | Yes | ~3.8–3.9 GPA; ACT 32–33/SAT 1420–1490 if submitted (estimate). | Nov. 1 (ED/EA); Jan. 15 (ED II/RD) |
| 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). | Nov. 1 (ED/EA); Jan. 15 (ED II/RD) |
| 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). | Nov. 1 (ED/EA); Jan. 15 (ED II/RD) |
| 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). | Nov. 1 (ED/EA); Jan. 15 (ED II/RD) |
| 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). | Nov. 1 (ED/EA); Jan. 15 (ED II/RD) |
| Centennial | $27,000 | Solid academics; overall file review. | No | Yes | ~3.1–3.3 GPA; ACT 24–25/SAT 1180–1230 if submitted (estimate). | Nov. 1 (ED/EA); Jan. 15 (ED II/RD) |
| 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). | Nov. 1 (ED/EA); Jan. 15 (ED II/RD) |
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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DU Scholar & Leadership Scholarships | $5,000–$15,000 per year (stackable with merit) | Students showing exceptional leadership or service impact | By invitation — may include short essay or interview | Yes — maintain GPA | ≈3.8+ GPA; 1300+ SAT / 29+ ACT; student leaders and changemakers. Estimate | Varies; Rounds typically Feb 11, Mar 11, Apr 8 |
| Daniels Fund Scholarship (External) | Full cost of attendance (tuition, housing, books, fees) | Residents of CO, NM, UT, or WY with financial need, integrity, and leadership | Yes — external application via DanielsFund.org | Yes — maintain academic progress and good standing | ≈3.6+ GPA; strong service record and community engagement; limited to ~200 scholars regionwide each year. Estimate | Oct 15 (Daniels Fund main application deadline) |
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.
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
🎖️ 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
📎 Official Links
- University of Denver — Homepage
- University Honors Program
- Scholarships & Financial Aid (Undergraduate)