University of Denver Programs Excel in Princeton Review’s Annual College Rankings

The University of Denver scores high marks from The Princeton Review in its annual Best 385 Colleges list. Rankings are based on surveys completed by 140,000 students from all 385 schools. In several categories, DU ranked among the top 20 colleges in the country.

The University of Denver’s highest ranking came in the category of “best college libraries.” The University finished fourth overall, behind only the United States Military Academy, Columbia University and Williams College. Since opening in 2013, the Anderson Academic Commons has become the most popular place to study on campus. It combines the University’s main library and many academic support services in one convenient location to enhance student learning.

Once again, DU received high marks in the category of “most popular study abroad program,” finishing sixth overall. According to surveyed students, “The school is all about ‘a global view and interdisciplinary courses’ and so has one of the best study abroad programs in the nation, giving students the option to do so without straying from their majors or incurring additional expense.” The success of study abroad is possible because of the Cherrington Global Scholars program. About 70% of DU’s students spend at least one semester studying in another country.

The University of Denver ranked 12th for “college city gets high marks.” This category allows students to rate the city or town where a school is located. Students surveyed liked the “outdoorsy” feel of the campus and the connection to the city. Students commented on how the Alpine Club “sponsors trips to nearby mountains, deserts and parks for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, biking and backpacking.” Students also commented about the Denver music scene with one student saying, “Red Rocks Amphitheatre is — no exaggeration — the best music venue on the globe.”

Princeton Review also rated each university individually in several different categories on a scale of 60-99. DU received an 89 for “academic rating.” This rating takes into consideration class size, student-teacher ratio, how many hours students study outside of the classroom and students’ assessments of their professors. The University received an 89 for having “interesting professors” and for “professors’ accessibility.” Surveyed students commented that faculty at DU “care more about how you do in the long run than how you may perform in individual classes.” Another student commented, “The face-to-face time you get with them is a big reason why I feel so connected to my school.”

“DU faculty are dedicated to our students’ success in and outside the classroom,” says DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “It is gratifying to see our students recognize not only the dedication of our faculty but also the comprehensive qualities that make the student experience at the University of Denver unique and enviable.”

For overall quality of life, DU received a 90 from Princeton Review. This rating measures how happy students are with their lives outside the classroom and considers such factors as beauty and location of the campus, comfort of dorms, quality of food and ease of getting around campus. One student surveyed said, “Everyone is so active and there is so much going on that you almost feel bad if you’re not doing something.”

The Princeton Review has published these rankings since 1992, but does not provide an overall 1 to 385 ranking.