Rankings and Recognition

At the 黑料门, excellence isn鈥檛 just a tradition鈥攊t鈥檚 our standard. Year after year, national and global rankings recognize DU for our academic rigor, vibrant student experience, and commitment to shaping bold, ethical leaders.听

From top-tier academic programs to a campus environment that inspires innovation, our accolades reflect the transformative education and opportunities our students experience every day.

#10 Most Loved Universities - Princeton Review, 2026

#38 Most Innovative Schools - U.S. News & World Report, 2025

#14 Best College Cities - Princeton Review, 2026

Campus and Community

Our location at the edge of 黑料门 offers students the best of both worlds: a close-knit campus community and access to a thriving, energetic city. With the Rocky Mountains as our backdrop, cultural, professional, and outdoor opportunities are just minutes away.

Princeton Review, 2025
#6
Best College Library

Based on student ratings of their library facilities.
Niche.com, 2025
#9
Best U.S. City for Young Professionals

Based on the number of millennial residents, job opportunities, and access to bars, restaurants, and affordable housing.
Princeton Review, 2026
#10
Most-Loved Colleges

Based on student ratings of their overall satisfaction with their schools.
Princeton Review, 2026
#24
Best Career Services

Based on student ratings of their school's career and job placement services.
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    Career Connected Campus

    Colorado Department of Education听

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    Top 50 Green Colleges

    Princeton Review

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"The friendships I have formed at DU have shown me what it means to belong."

- Abby Gardner, Class of 2025

Academic Excellence

Reflective of DU's commitment to small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and strong student support systems, our reputation for academic excellence is reflected in strong national and global rankings across disciplines.

U.S. News & World Report, 2025
#45
Best Undergraduate Teaching

Highlighting schools that emphasize providing high-quality instruction to undergrads.
U.S. News & World Report, 2025
#75
Best Value Schools

Evaluating academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial aid.
Forbes, 2025
#97
Private Universities

Comparing private universities and colleges in metrics ranging from graduation rate to return on investment.
U.S. News & World Report, 2025
#121
National Universities

Ranking universities that offer a full range of undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs and are committed to groundbreaking research.
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    College of Distinction

    2025-2026 Honoree

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    Dream School

    NYT Best-Seller Jeff Selingo

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    Best Colleges in America

    Money.com

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    Best Global Universities

    U.S. News and World Report

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"The school鈥檚 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows for rich discussion and personalized instruction."

- Jeff Selingo, author of Dream School: Finding the College That鈥檚 Right For You

Student Experience

At DU, learning extends far beyond the classroom鈥攐ur rankings prove it. From nationally recognized student support services to a campus culture that celebrates belonging, DU empowers students to thrive personally, academically, and professionally.

Niche.com, 2026
#1
Best College for Student Athletes in Colorado

Showcasing both elite academic programs and competitive sports programs that support student athletes on and off the field.
IIE Open Doors, 2024
#8
Undergraduate Study Abroad Participation

Leading institutions sending U.S. undergraduate students abroad.
Princeton Review, 2026
#25
LGBTQ+ Friendly Colleges

Based on how strongly students agree that their fellow students treat all persons equally, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.
U.S. News and World Report, 2025
#79
Best Colleges for Veterans

Highlighting top-ranked schools that make pursuing a college education more affordable for veterans and active-duty service members.
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    Healthy Minds Designation

    Colorado Department of Education

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    The Only Private R1 in the Rocky Mountain West

    Carnegie Classification of Higher Ed Institutions

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Detailed Institutional Rankings

For a list of institutional rankings, including by school and program type, visit the Institutional Research rankings page.听听

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