For the Difference We Can Make Together

5,280 feet is only the beginning

Located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, and now with the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus adjacent to the Roosevelt National Forest, we embody the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines our region. The University of Denver is a private institution built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators and students, as well as local and global communities. This spirit of innovation paired with our signature 4D Experience and a core commitment to making a real difference in communities around the world leads to our recognized status as a Very High Research University (or "R1") by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st century education and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower them to make a difference around the world.

Mission, Vision & Values

DU students in class

A Bold Approach to Higher Education

We deliver a rigorous and rewarding experience—the 4D Experience— for our students through a holistic approach to education that transforms students into leaders. Through learning, scholarship and practice, students gain the experience, knowledge and courage they need to tackle big challenges in the real world and guide diverse communities and organizations. We're proud to offer these high-impact experiences to our students as part of their University journey:

  • Community involvement through service and civic responsibility
  • Wilderness, wellness and team-building experiences at our Kennedy Mountain Campus just two hours north of Denver 
  • A robust study abroad program through which students develop global perspectives
  • Extensive opportunities for research starting at the undergraduate level
  • Career achievement through internships and job placement support provided by our Burwell Center for Career Achievement

In the classroom, students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels work closely with faculty mentors to shape academic pathways that lead to intellectual fulfillment and career achievement. We're a mid-sized University of about 12,000 graduates and undergraduates with average class sizes under 21 students and an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Individual attention combined with big-city connections provide a wealth of professional opportunities for students, the majority of whom choose to stay in Denver after graduation.

By facilitating research, community involvement and global exploration, we're building a foundation for lifelong achievement, empowering our students to live lives of purpose