DU Quick Facts

General Information

The University of Denver is an independent institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Founded in 1864 by John Evans, who was appointed by Abraham Lincoln as the second governor of the Colorado Territory, it is the oldest independent university in the state and one of four research universities in Colorado.

Location

Our 125-acre campus is located in a residential neighborhood eight miles southeast of downtown Denver. The light rail, which DU students ride for free, connects DU to downtown and the Denver Tech Center with a stop on campus.  The Rocky Mountains are one hour west by car, and DU is within a 90 minute drive of six major ski resorts.  The city of Denver boasts 300 sunny days a year with a moderate climate.

Fall 2009 Enrollment

The University of Denver creates a perfect balance between a small liberal arts college with the benefits of a large research institution.  Fall 2009 enrollment at DU consisted of 11,292 students;  4,898 undergraduate and 6,394 graduate.

Faculty

DU employs 586 full-time faculty, 90 percent of whom hold either doctoral or the highest degree appropriate to their discipline; DU also employs 610 part-time faculty.

Class Sizes

The average undergraduate class size is 20 students, and the average student to faculty ratio is 10:1.

Residence Halls

Four main-campus residence halls offer co-ed and single-gender floors. Each room is connected to the campus network allowing access to the Internet. Theme floors are available. Suites are available for juniors, seniors and international students.

Research

More than 40 specialized research centers and institutes in a wide range of disciplines are housed at the University of Denver. The University annually receives about $13 million in sponsored research support in the areas of biology, genetics, atmospheric sciences, psychology, anthropology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and many more.

Study Abroad

DU sends 74% of our students abroad, which ranks 2nd nationally among doctoral and research institutions for percentage of students participating.  DU sponsors 28 programs to more than 45 countries, and students have access to more than 100 additional study abroad programs through arrangements with other universities. The Cherrington Global Scholars program, which began in fall 2004, gives third-and fourth-year undergraduates the opportunity to study abroad for one quarter for the same price as on-campus tuition. As part of this program, any additional costs for studying abroad will be paid for by the University of Denver.

Internships

More than 1,000 students are involved in co-op education, internships and work programs providing career-related enrichment in many areas. The University of Denver is a member of a consortium of 13 colleges and universities that share internship listings to better help students locate positions in areas of the country other than where their schools are located.

Organizations

More than 100 student organizations provide a meeting ground for students of all majors, backgrounds and nations to learn and grow together as a campus community. Students can choose from academic and honorary organizations, as well as from governing bodies and cultural, international, fine arts, to political, professional, recreational, social, service and student assistance organizations.

Athletics

17 athletic teams at the University of Denver compete in the NCAA Division I Conference.  These include:

Men's Sports: Basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, cross country, lacrosse, skiing (2005, '08 & '09 NCAA Champions), swimming/diving, ice hockey (2004,2005 NCAA Champions).

Women's Sports: Basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, cross country, lacrosse, skiing (2005, '08 & '09 NCAA Champions), swimming/diving, gymnastics, volleyball.

All athletic prospects are eligible for athletic scholarhips which are awarded solely by the head coach in each respective sport. Each athletic prospect must contact the head coach in their respective sport for information on athletic scholarships and to begin the recruiting process. To contact a coach, please visit the University of Denver athletic website. Coaches names, phone numbers and email addresses can be located by clicking the "Athletic Department" link on the left margin, and then clicking "Staff Directory".

Calendar

The University of Denver operates on the quarter system, consisting of 10 week quarters in the fall, winter, spring and summer.  Registering for courses during the summer quarter is optional.  For more information, view the University of Denver Academic Calendar.

Library

More than 3.1 million volumes, including 6,607 periodicals, are available. A computer reference system connects the library with major libraries in the region and throughout the United States. Learn more about the Penrose Library.

Accreditation

The University of Denver is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and other major professional accrediting agencies, including business administration/ management (AACSB), clinical psychology (APA), counseling psychology (APA), engineering (ABET), law (ABA, AALS), music (NASM) and social work (CSWE).