The Results Are in: DU Students Love It Here

The results are in for The Princeton Review’s Best 389 Colleges of 2024, and the University of Denver has surpassed its previous rankings in several categories while maintaining its position as a leader in many others. Each year, The Princeton Review surveys more than 165,000 students at top universities around the country to see how they think their schools measure up on factors like academics and quality of life.

DU students showed their affection for the University, moving it up 11 spots to No. 13 in the category “Their Students Love These Colleges.” A contributing factor in this ranking is connections cultivated on campus, which is a priority for the University.

Students reported that the dedication of faculty and staff in ensuring a high-quality education and plenty of “face-to-face time” made them feel more connected. Others pointed out instructional style and specific programs. “The ‘lively, passionate’ professors teach with hands-on, real-life examples that ‘prompt students to critically think and apply what is learned in the classroom to our future careers and life,’” one student said. Another commented that DU’s business and accountancy programs stood out among the diverse offerings from which to choose, noting the University’s emphasis on “a global view and interdisciplinary courses.”

"At the center of our holistic approach to learning, the DU 4D Experience, is our world-class faculty,” says DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “And the impact of their teaching and mentorship is reflected in our Princeton Review rankings. DU students are not only receiving an incredible education—they are also happy, connected to the community, planning for their careers and taking care of their well-being. They have what they need for success here on campus and well beyond.”

DU also ranked in the Top 25 for happiest and friendliest students, a testament to the quality of life enjoyed in Colorado. Students at DU have the best of two worlds—with the main campus located just six miles from bustling downtown Denver and the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus set in the magnificent Rocky Mountains, there is no shortage of cultural and recreational opportunities for students to take advantage of.

When not in class, many DU students like to explore the outdoors by joining the Alpine Club, which, as one student explained, "sponsors trips to nearby mountains, deserts and parks for  activities like skiing, hiking, biking and backpacking." There are also great restaurants and music venues nearby. "Red Rocks Amphitheatre is—no exaggeration—the best music venue on the globe," one student said.

DU made top 25 lists in multiple categories, including:

• #3 Best College Library
• #7 College City Gets High Marks
• #13 Their Students Love These Colleges (based on student ratings of their overall satisfaction with their schools)
• #15 Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation
• #17 Best Athletics Facilities; Happiest Students
• #21 Best Health Services; Town-Gown Relations Are Great (based on student ratings of how well they get along with the local community.)
• #23 Best Career Services; Friendliest Students
• #24 Best Student Support and Counseling Services

The Princeton Review also provides a rating for universities in numerous academic, admissions and campus life categories. In both “Quality of Life” and “Sustainability,” the University ranked in the 90s. Likewise, the publication also gave high marks to DU for having professors who are both engaging and accessible to students. Whether they are hitting the books or hitting the slopes, DU students know—the University of Denver is a special place with something for everyone.