Rankings and Recognition

At the University of Denver, excellence isn’t just a tradition—it’s 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.

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.

University News

DU: A Designated Dream School
Chosen for its strong outcomes, accessible admissions, and vibrant campus life, the University of Denver is helping students turn big dreams into reality—on campus and far beyond.
University News

Korbel Program Ranked 12th in the World
Foreign Policy magazine has named the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs the 12th best place in the world to earn a master’s degree in international relations, up from 14th in the previous ranking.
University News

Why Students Love DU, According to the Princeton Review
The publication’s 391 Best Colleges of 2026 gives DU high marks across nine categories, including two Top 10.
University News

University of Denver Graduate Programs Rank Among Nation’s Best
U.S. News & World Report ranks several DU graduate programs in the top 100.

#10 Most Loved Universities - Princeton Review, 2026

#38 Most Innovative Schools - U.S. News & World Report, 2024

#14 Best College Cities - Princeton Review, 2026

Campus and Community

Our location at the edge of Denver 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

Best College Library

Based on student ratings of their library facilities.

Niche.com, 2025

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.

Career Connected Campus

Colorado Department of Education

Top 50 Green Colleges

Princeton Review

"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.

College of Distinction

2025-2026 Honoree
Dream School

NYT Best-Seller Jeff Selingo

Best Colleges in America

Money.com
Best Global Universities

U.S. News and World Report

Daniels College of Business

#10 Best Online MBA Program

- Princeton Review
See All Program Rankings
In addition to the #10 Best Online MBA Program from Princeton Review, Daniels College of Business earned the following rankings:
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s Business Programs, U.S. News and World Report
- Top 100 Undergraduate Business Programs, U.S. News and World Report
Josef Korbal School of Global and Public Affairs

#12 Best Master’s in International Relations in the World

- Foreign Policy Magazine

See All Program Rankings

In addition to the #12 Best Master’s in International Relations in the world, Foreign Policy Magazine ranks the Korbel School the #20 best place to earn an undergraduate degree in international studies.
Sturm College of Law

6 Top-25 Law Programs

- U.S. News & World Report
See All Program Rankings
In addition to 6 top-25 ranked law programs, U.S. News and World Report ranks the Sturm College of Law a Top 100 Law School in the country.
- #8: Clinical Training programs
- #8: Trial Advocacy programs
- #11: Part-Time Law programs
- #17: Legal Writing programs
- #21: Environmental Law programs
- #22: Most graduates in public interest law
Graduate School of Social Work

#12 Best College for Social Work

- U.S. News and World Report

See All Program Rankings

DU’s Graduate School of Social work is ranked #12 Best College for Social Work by U.S. News and World Report, consistently ranking in the top 20 in the country.

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

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

Student Experience

At DU, learning extends far beyond the classroom—our 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

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

Undergraduate Study Abroad Participation

Leading institutions sending U.S. undergraduate students abroad.

Princeton Review, 2026

#16

Best Health Services

Based on student rankings of health services available on campus.

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.