Review Admission Standards
Before beginning your application, you should first review DU’s admission standards for first-year applicants.
We uphold high academic achievement standards to ensure you can meet DU’s academic expectations and excel in our rigorous degree programs. However, at DU, we also take a holistic approach to admission. While academic performance is the primary focus of our applicant review, we assess you as a whole person, not merely for your grades and test scores. We want to see how you engage with your peers and community through service projects, extracurriculars, student government, and other activities.
We additionally consider your involvement with the University of Denver, such as meeting with admission counselors or attending in-person or virtual visits. This demonstrates your willingness to invest in the DU community and your academic success.
As a test-optional school, we do not require you to SAT or ACT scores. If you opt to submit your score, they will be considered alongside your other materials during the review process.
Choose Your Application Deadline
Choose Your Application Deadline
For first-year applicants, DU offers the following application deadlines:
- Nov. 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action
- Jan. 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision
What Is Early Decision?
Early Decision is a binding agreement between you and the University of Denver that you will attend DU if accepted. You may only apply for Early Decision to one school. If accepted to DU via Early Decision, you must withdraw your applications from other institutions.
However, Early Action and Regular Decision are nonbinding applications, and you can apply to as many schools as you like for these deadlines.
Why Apply for Early Decision?
Applying for Early Decision has numerous benefits, including:
- Students admitted during Early Decision rounds of admission receive an additional $5,000 annual merit aid award (for up to four years).
- Top academic performers will have their full demonstrated financial needs met.
- Early-decision applicants enjoy stronger consideration for admission and benefit from earlier admission and financial aid notifications.
Please Note: Athletes receiving athletic aid and music majors are welcome to apply for Early Decision but are not eligible for the financial incentives. Additionally, international students are eligible for additional merit aid but not for need-based aid.
Fill Out Your Application
Fill Out Your Application
To simplify the process, DU accepts the Common Application, a standardized online application form used by hundreds of colleges and universities.
The application includes an essay requirement, so please allow yourself enough time and preparation to write your essay. Students are free to choose from any of the current year's Common Application prompts for their one required essay.
Want to learn more about applying via the Common Application? Read The Princeton Review’s Guide to the Common Application.
Pay the Application Fee
Pay the Application Fee
DU requires a $65 nonrefundable application fee. To submit your payment, please log into your Common Application account and pay at the time of application submission to the University of Denver.
If you're facing financial hardship, you can indicate on the application that you qualify for a fee waiver in the ‘Profile’ area of the Common Application.
DU proudly participates in the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s CO Free App Days. Please check our website and your inbox this fall for this year's application fee waiver code.