University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 74.7% acceptance rate, CU Denver is approachable, but test-optional does not mean scores are irrelevant: 23% submitted SAT compared with 2% ACT. If you choose to submit, an SAT around 1100-1220 gives you a stronger academic signal, while a GPA near 3.5 keeps you aligned with the entering class.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus facts and stats
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus enrolls 13,921 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. CU Denver has a 73% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 46%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.
Denver, CO
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Key University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
August 1
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional CU Denver, take your first test by the spring of junior year and save the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes. CU Denver does not offer ED, EA, or a posted Regular Decision deadline to anchor a final fall test date, so aim to have your strongest score ready before you apply.
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What you'll actually pay
CU Denver’s in-state tuition is $11,700, while out-of-state tuition is $35,460. About 63% of students receive financial aid, with an average merit award of $3,299. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline to be considered for aid.

At CU Denver, out-of-state tuition is $35,460, while in-state tuition is $11,700, and room and board is $15,442. Financial aid is common: 63% of students receive aid, with an average package of $14,990. Merit awards average $3,299, so they may help but typically do not cover most costs on their own. Graduates leave with an average debt of $21,717.
Student life at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
20% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Adams State University
Alamosa, COAcceptance rate: 30.8%
SAT: 850–1055
ACT: 18–22
Aims Community College
Greeley, COAcceptance rate: 100%
Arapahoe Community College
Littleton, COAcceptance rate: 100%
Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology
Denver, COAcceptance rate: 100%
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