University of Denver
The University of Denver is a private nonprofit R1 research university in Denver, Colorado, founded in 1864, serving undergraduate, graduate, law, and professional students through 10 schools and colleges anchored by the proprietary "4D Experience" educational framework.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1864
- HeadquartersDenver, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What University of Denver does
The University of Denver is a private, nonprofit R1 research university founded in 1864 and headquartered on a 125-acre campus in Denver, Colorado, with a secondary 720-acre Kennedy Mountain Campus near Red Feather Lakes. It serves undergraduate students (100+ majors and programs), graduate students (200+ master's, doctoral, and certificate programs), and professional students including JD candidates at the Sturm College of Law. The institution operates ten degree-granting units spanning arts and sciences, business (Daniels College of Business), law (Sturm College of Law), global and public affairs (Josef Korbel School), engineering and computer science (Ritchie School), education, psychology, social work, and professional studies. Its core educational model is the proprietary "4D Experience" framework integrating intellectual growth, well-being, character, and careers, delivered alongside a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and the Cherrington Global Scholars study-abroad program. Revenue is derived from tuition and fees, auxiliary services (housing, dining, athletics, bookstore), federal and state research grants as an R1 institution, and private philanthropy and endowment income. The institution fields 18 NCAA Division I sports programs, holds 10 men's hockey national championships, and operates a research and innovation footprint that includes the recently launched Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions (CHRIS) and a multi-phase Pivot Energy solar partnership targeting carbon neutrality by 2030.
University of Denver firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- University of Denver
- Legal name
- University of Denver
- Website
- https://du.edu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1864
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- The University of Denver is a private nonprofit R1 research university in Denver, Colorado, founded in 1864, serving undergraduate, graduate, law, and professional students through 10 schools and colleges anchored by the proprietary "4D Experience" educational framework.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
University of Denver industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary) (EDAHABAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences) (EDAHABAB)
Keywords
Where University of Denver is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Denver
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
University of Denver business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: Revenue from undergraduate, graduate, and professional program tuition including law school. Fee-based revenue from various university services.
- Auxiliary Services: Revenue from housing, dining, athletics events, bookstore, and student services.
- Research Grants and Sponsored Programs: Federal and state funding for research activities as an R1 research university.
- Private Philanthropy: Donations and endowment income supporting scholarships, programs, and institutional priorities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Law School Application Fee |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Law School Admissions Deposits |
| Subscription | Monthly | Payment Plans |
| Subscription | Annual | Law School Merit Scholarships |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
University of Denver product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The University of Denver is a private R1 research university delivering undergraduate degrees across 100+ majors, 200+ graduate master's and doctoral programs, and professional degrees (including JD, MBA, and continuing education) through ten schools and colleges. Education is delivered through the 4D Experience framework combining classroom instruction, research, internships, study abroad, and career outcomes, supported by on-campus residential life, athletics, and auxiliary student services.
Product overview
The University of Denver is a premier private R1 research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Its core educational offerings include the 4D Experience (a holistic approach integrating intellectual growth, well-being, character, and careers), Learning Cohorts for first-year students, and reduced-credit online bachelor's degree programs. The university also operates specialized research centers including the Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions (CHRIS), and has sustainability initiatives through its Pivot Energy solar partnership to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Sturm College of Law: The law school of the University of Denver, offering JD, LLM, and graduate legal studies.
- Daniels College of Business
- Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
- Morgridge College of Education
- Graduate School of Professional Psychology
- Graduate School of Social Work
- College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science
- College of Professional Studies
- DU-Iliff Joint Program
- 4D Experience
- James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus
- CHRIS (Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions)
Products and services
- Undergraduate Degree Programs Bachelor's degree programs across 100+ majors with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, including dual-degree options, global learning experiences, and access to Division I athletics. Designed for high school graduates and transfer students seeking a four-year degree with experiential learning.
- Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs Over 200 master's, doctoral, and certificate programs offered online and on campus across the university's ten schools and colleges, with access to alumni and mentor networks. Designed for working professionals and recent bachelor's graduates seeking advanced credentials.
- Juris Doctor (JD) Program JD degree program offered through the Sturm College of Law with 91.1% professional employment rate 10 months post-graduation and $111,361 mean salary. Includes merit scholarships ranging from $18,000 to $42,000 and full-tuition options. Applications accepted through LSAC.
- Professional Studies Programs Career-focused bachelor's completion, master's, and certificate programs designed for working adults with flexible online and evening options.
- Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions (CHRIS) A research center addressing regional housing challenges through research, policy evaluation, market analytics, data sharing, and education focused on Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.
- Learning Cohorts Program A first-year student program that connects incoming students with mentors who share their passions, helping them develop integrative learning skills through sprint classes, community leader conversations, and field trips.
Quantifiable outcome
- 91.1% professional employment rate for Sturm College of Law graduates
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use University of Denver
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles4 records
University of Denver technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
University of Denver partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Green Builder MediaminorCo-host of four spring 2026 events focused on housing affordability, innovation, and building performance. Events include three in-person workshops in Houston, Denver, and Las Vegas plus one virtual webinar featuring housing expert Sam Rashkin. Partnership supported by various industry associations including Greater Houston Home Builders Association and HBA of Metro Denver.
- Pivot EnergycorePartnership to build six off-site solar arrays to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. First 3.2-megawatt solar field in Johnstown, CO with approximately 7,000 panels on single-axis trackers. Operates under 20-year fixed-rate power purchase agreement enabled by Colorado Senate Bill 21-261. Partnership brings local economic benefits including land lease from local farmers, property taxes, and over $15,000 in donations to local scholarships and nonprofits.
- Event Tickets Center (ETC)coreOfficial Secondary Ticketing Partner for University of Denver's Athletic Department for 2026-27 seasons. Partnership provides DU fans with access to secure resale tickets, cross-brand activations, and marketing assets including video board features and streaming commercials. ETC team members based in Denver engage directly with the local community through game attendance and charitable initiatives.
- Denver Summit FCminorPartnership with Colorado's first professional women's soccer club includes community programming and underscores the University's support for women's sports.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
University of Denver competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- University of Colorado Boulder: The flagship public R1 research university in the same Boulder/Denver metropolitan area. Competes directly with DU for in-state students, faculty, and research funding while offering lower tuition as a public alternative.
Direct peers
- Colorado College: A small, private liberal arts college in Colorado Springs. Targets a similar out-of-state applicant pool with a block-plan curriculum and competes with DU for academically selective undergraduates seeking a Colorado-based education.
- University of San Diego: A mid-sized private Catholic research university with comparable size, an active law school, NCAA Division I athletics, and a similar mix of undergraduate and graduate programs—making it one of the closest structural peers to DU.
- Loyola Marymount University: A private Jesuit research university in Los Angeles with similar enrollment scale, Division I athletics (joining the West Coast Conference in 2026), and a comparable mix of professional schools including law and business.
- Marquette University: A private Jesuit research university in Milwaukee with comparable size, a strong law school, Division I athletics (Big East), and a similar urban-campus profile targeting the same type of out-of-state undergraduate market.
- Pepperdine University: A private research university with a prestigious law school, Division I athletics, and similar tuition positioning. Operates in a comparable private-mid-size university niche.
- Wake Forest University: A mid-sized private research university with a top-rated law school, Division I athletics (ACC), strong outcome metrics, and a similar positioning around undergraduate experience and graduate professional programs.
- Gonzaga University: A private Jesuit university with elite men's basketball brand, growing research profile, and membership in the West Coast Conference—offering a relevant comparator as DU enters the same conference in 2026.
- Brigham Young University: A large private research university with a top-tier athletics program (West Coast Conference) and similar undergraduate experience positioning. Comparable in scale, brand-driven enrollment strategy, and Division I competitiveness.
- Creighton University: A private Jesuit research university in Omaha with comparable size, a well-regarded law school, Division I athletics (BIG EAST), and a similar blend of professional and graduate programs targeting similar student demographics.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
University of Denver social profiles
Digital presenceUniversity of Denver financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
University of Denver leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
University of Denver funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
University of Denver M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about University of Denver
What does University of Denver do?
The University of Denver is a private R1 research university delivering undergraduate degrees across 100+ majors, 200+ graduate master's and doctoral programs, and professional degrees (including JD, MBA, and continuing education) through ten schools and colleges. Education is delivered through the 4D Experience framework combining classroom instruction, research, internships, study abroad, and career outcomes, supported by on-campus residential life, athletics, and auxiliary student services.
Is University of Denver a public or private company?
University of Denver is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was University of Denver founded?
University of Denver was founded in 1864. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is University of Denver based?
University of Denver is headquartered in Denver, United States, in the North America region.
How does University of Denver make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are auxiliary Services, research Grants and Sponsored Programs and private Philanthropy.
Who are University of Denver's main competitors?
University of Colorado Boulder is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Colorado College, University of San Diego, Loyola Marymount University, Marquette University, Pepperdine University, Wake Forest University, Gonzaga University, Brigham Young University and Creighton University.
Does University of Denver have an API?
No public API is recorded for University of Denver.
What industry is University of Denver in?
University of Denver's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHABAA, Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary), with a secondary code of EDAHABAB, STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences). Its NAICS code is 61131 and its SIC code is 8200.