Denver University's Student Population: How Many?

The University of Denver (DU) is a private research university in Denver, Colorado, founded in 1864. The university has an approximate total enrollment of 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students, with an undergraduate enrollment of 6,412 as of Fall 2023. DU has a campus size of 125 acres and is ranked #121 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2025. With a focus on mentorship and exploration, DU offers over 100 academic programs and a robust Career Services network to prepare students for their future careers.

Undergraduate vs. graduate enrollment

The University of Denver is a private research university in Colorado, founded in 1864. The University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,412 (as of Fall 2023), and a total graduate enrollment of 6,972, bringing the total number of students to 13,384. This figure includes both full-time and part-time students. The University has an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, with an average class size of 24 students and a maximum class size of under 21.

The University of Denver's undergraduate enrollment is slightly higher than its graduate enrollment. Undergraduate students comprise around 48% of the student body, while graduate students make up the remaining 52%. The gender distribution among the student body is 44.7% male and 55.3% female.

The University of Denver offers a range of academic programs, with over 100 majors, minors, and concentrations for students to choose from. The University is particularly well-known for its Daniels College of Business, which has been nationally recognized for producing students with high ethical standards. Other notable programs include the Lamont School of Music, the College of Law (Sturm College of Law), and the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management).

The University of Denver has a rich history and is the oldest independent higher education institution in the Rocky Mountain West. The University has a strong focus on research and collaboration, with a signature 4D Experience that provides a rigorous and rewarding educational experience for its students. The University is committed to promoting inclusion and offering a world of opportunities to its students, empowering them to make a difference globally.

Gender distribution

The University of Denver has a total student population of about 12,000, with 6,412 undergraduate students and 6,972 graduate students enrolled in the fall of 2023. The gender distribution among degree-seeking students is 55% female and 45% male. This distribution is reflected in the on-campus housing data, with 50% of students living in college-owned housing identified as female and the remaining 50% as male.

The University of Denver's undergraduate population has a higher proportion of female students, with 55.3% female students and 44.7% male students as of Fall 2023. This distribution is relatively consistent across different years and programs, indicating a sustained trend towards a higher female representation in the undergraduate student body.

The University of Denver's graduate programs, on the other hand, have a more balanced gender distribution. As the total graduate enrollment across all programs is 6,972, we can estimate that there are approximately 3,486 male and 3,486 female graduate students. This balance is a positive indicator, demonstrating that the University of Denver attracts a diverse range of students at the graduate level.

The University of Denver's commitment to promoting inclusion and offering a world of opportunities to its students is reflected in its gender distribution. With a nearly equal gender split among graduate students and a healthy representation of both genders at the undergraduate level, the university fosters an inclusive and welcoming community for all its students.

Housing

The University of Denver is a private institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,412 students (as of Fall 2023). The campus is 125 acres, and the university offers a range of housing options for its students.

The University of Denver (DU) offers a variety of housing options to meet the diverse needs and preferences of its student population. DU's Housing & Residential Education (HRE) department is dedicated to providing a personalized and unique experience for its residents, with a strong focus on inclusivity, community, and student engagement. The HRE staff undergo comprehensive training to ensure they can offer support and guidance to students throughout their residential experience.

On-Campus Housing

DU requires all first-year students, rising second-year students, and transfer students to live on campus for at least the first two years. This requirement ensures that undergraduates get the full college experience and have the opportunity to connect with their peers. On-campus housing options include residence halls and apartments, with accommodations ranging from singles and doubles to suites and apartments.

The residence halls at DU are designed to foster a sense of community and support students' academic and personal growth. Centennial Halls, affectionately known as "Halls," is the largest residence hall for first-year students, offering a vibrant social atmosphere and a mix of co-ed and single-gender living options. Johnson-McFarlane Hall (JMac) is a traditional college residence hall known for its community-building programs and convenient location near STEM and Arts buildings. Other notable residence halls include Centennial Towers, which promotes independence and communication skills, and Dimond Family Residential Village (DFRV), which offers a dynamic and supportive environment tailored to first-year students.

For upper-level students, DU offers a variety of housing options, including Nelson Hall, Nagel Hall, and the Transfer House. Nelson Hall accommodates second-year students and beyond, with a mix of single rooms, double rooms, suites, and apartments. Nagel Hall is popular among second-year through graduate students, offering apartment-style and suite-style living arrangements. The Transfer House is conveniently located in the center of campus, providing a sense of community for transfer students.

Off-Campus Housing

After the two-year live-on requirement, students have the option to explore off-campus housing. DU has partnered with Apartments.com to assist students in finding suitable accommodations.

Amenities and Benefits

Living on campus at DU offers numerous benefits and amenities. Students have easy access to classes, libraries, study spaces, tutoring services, and other academic resources. Residence halls also provide quiet hours, study rooms, and themed floors to support academic success. On-campus living promotes a sense of community and fosters friendships, with opportunities to join clubs, attend events, and engage in campus life. All-inclusive amenities include Wi-Fi, laundry, utilities, and meal plans, making it convenient for students to focus on their studies while also having a well-rounded college experience.

Safety is a priority, with secure residence hall access, well-lit pathways, and dedicated staff, such as Resident Assistants (RAs), to provide guidance and assistance. On-campus living also helps students develop essential skills like time management, budgeting, and problem-solving, preparing them for life after graduation.

The University of Denver offers a range of housing options to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of its student body. With a focus on community, engagement, and student support, the HRE department ensures that students have a meaningful and memorable residential experience during their time at DU.

Enrollment by race

The University of Denver has an overall enrollment of 13,734 students for the academic year 2022-2023. The student population is predominantly white, with 8,906 white students out of a total of 13,734. The racial breakdown of the student population is as follows: 8,906 White, 623 Black, 596 Asian, 1,872 Hispanic, 69 American Indian or Native American, 15 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, and 376 students with other races.

The University of Denver has a lower racial and ethnic diversity compared to similar colleges. It is reported to have below-average overall diversity and below-average racial-ethnic diversity. The racial breakdown of the student population shows that a significant majority of the students identify as white, with a smaller proportion of students from other racial and ethnic backgrounds.

The University of Denver's undergraduate population of 6,151 students consists of 2,728 male and 3,423 female students. In terms of race and ethnicity, the undergraduate population includes 5,634 White, 475 Black, 443 Asian, 1,343 Hispanic, 52 American Indian or Native American, 12 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, and 254 students with other races.

The graduate student population at the University of Denver is comprised of 2,503 male and 5,080 female students, for a total of 7,583 students. Racial and ethnic demographics of graduate students are as follows: 3,272 White, 148 Black, 153 Asian, 529 Hispanic, 17 American Indian or Native American, 3 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, and 121 students with other races.

Student-faculty ratio

The University of Denver is a private institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,412 students (including both full-time and part-time students) as of Fall 2023. The total number of graduates and undergraduates is about 12,000, with an average class size of under 21 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1.

The University of Denver keeps its classes small, with an average class size of 24 students, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 according to another source. This small student-to-faculty ratio means that students can form close relationships with their professors. The University of Denver also has over 100 academic programs, with a wide range of majors, minors, and concentrations to choose from.

The University of Denver's student-to-faculty ratio is impressive, especially when compared to other universities. This ratio indicates that the University of Denver has a low number of students in proportion to its faculty members, which can result in several benefits for students. Firstly, smaller class sizes can foster a more intimate and interactive learning environment, allowing for more personalized attention from instructors. This can be advantageous for students who may require additional support or prefer a more tailored educational experience.

Additionally, a lower student-to-faculty ratio can translate to increased opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. Students may find it easier to develop meaningful relationships with their professors, which can lead to valuable mentorship and guidance throughout their academic journey and even beyond graduation. Such close connections with faculty members can also facilitate research and collaboration, which is a key aspect of the University of Denver's educational philosophy.

The University of Denver's focus on mentorship and collaboration is evident in its academic experience. The University encourages students to form essential partnerships with their professors and peers, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances the overall educational experience. This approach aligns with the University's commitment to exploration and innovation, empowering students to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields.

In conclusion, the University of Denver's student-to-faculty ratio is an important factor to consider when evaluating the University. This ratio contributes to a more personalized educational experience, fosters mentorship opportunities, and embodies the University's dedication to exploration, collaboration, and the transformation of students into leaders.

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