University of Denver Ranks Among the Country’s Top Institutions

The University of Denver is once again among the country’s top 100 colleges and universities. Today, U.S. News & World Report released its list of the nation’s Best Colleges for 2020, with DU ranking 97th out of over 400 national universities.

The University of Denver’s overall score improves from 51 to 52. Additionally, the University’s peer assessment score increases from a 2.9 to 3.0.

U.S. News & World Report uses six categories for determining rankings: outcomes, faculty resources, expert opinion, financial resources, student excellence and alumni giving. In total, U.S. News collected data on more than 1,900 institutions; nearly 1,400 schools were ranked.

More than one-third of a school’s overall ranking comes from its “outcomes” score, which takes into consideration several factors including success at retaining and graduating students within six years. The University of Denver’s ranking in this area increased dramatically from 2019, rising to 98 from 112.

“There is nothing more vital than helping our students succeed — both while they are in the classroom and also after they graduate,” says DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “We have adopted an innovative model for career services that reaches twice as many students as other national institutions. This has helped ensure that 91% of DU graduates are either employed or in graduate school within six months of graduating. That’s 6% above the national average.”

In addition to its stature in the overall rankings, the University of Denver places in the top 100 in several other categories. DU ranks 65th among Best Value Schools. This category takes into account a school’s academic quality and the net cost of attendance for a student receiving the average need-based scholarship or grant. Forty-one percent of students receive need-based grants at DU.

DU ranks 63rd in the category of Best Colleges for Veterans. A university qualifies for this list if it enrolls a minimum of 20 veterans and active service members and if it is certified for the GI Bill and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Universities participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program make additional funds available for veterans attending an out-of-state or private institution.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the Daniels College of Business 90th on the list of Best Undergraduate Programs. This ranking is based on program accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business; the results are based solely on surveys of business school deans and senior faculty.

“We are pleased to be among the top 100 ranked business schools in the nation, alongside a number of fine institutions," said Vivek Choudhury, dean of the Daniels College of Business. "Our focus remains on delivering a rigorous and relevant education, based on an immersive, hands-on approach to learning, that prepares our students for successful lives and careers in today’s dynamic business environment.”