Founded in 1973, the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) offers a modern, comprehensive urban education with multiple paths to success—in life and career—delivered how, when, and where you want it. CU Denver is the state’s premier public urban research university, offering more than 100 degree programs in seven schools and colleges and across a spectrum of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional and continuing education options. Research, internship, and apprenticeship experiences are a hallmark of a CU Denver education, giving learners an excellent education and real-work skills and job experience along the way.
Globally connected and locally invested, CU Denver partners with more than 14,000 future-focused learners—among the most diverse in the state—to design accessible, relevant, transformative educational experiences for every stage of life and career. Our proximity to downtown Denver enables many opportunities to enhance lives, careers, and professional networks as we are located within steps of the city’s business, political, and arts corridor – and we have deep partnerships in the city, state, and region to help create or accelerate learners’ paths.
Our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges through boundary-breaking innovation and impactful research and creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 1,900 employees and an annual economic impact of $684 million.
- Education Game Changer
We are committed to making higher education work for all, understanding that to meet the needs of all learners at every stage of life and career we must provide an education that is diverse, innovative, flexible, and relevant to the demands of today. - High-Quality Academics
Working across a broad range of highly ranked programs and degrees in the arts, sciences, humanities, business, and more, our world-class faculty have the expertise and passion to create an engaging, real-world learning environment. - Society-Advancing Research
Complex challenges require comprehensive solutions, and our researchers and scholars work collaboratively alongside our students and other researchers and organizations to generate transformative, real-world advancements in tech, healthcare, sustainability, and more. - Future of Work Leader
As an active partner in shaping the future talent that Colorado and the world need, we work hand-in-hand with industry partners to train the next generation of leaders and fuel workforce pipelines. - Impactful Partner
As an anchor institution in downtown Denver, we align our innovative mindset, cutting-edge research and scholarship, and collaborative spirit with civic, business, and academic leaders to boost the economy, fuel the workforce, and benefit the community. - Top Employer
We are committed to being a best place to work, offering comprehensive benefits—from wellness programs to homeownership support—and creating a culture where everyone belongs and can succeed.
CU Denver is redefining the model of tomorrow’s public urban research university to lead to a more equitable and innovative society.
We know that, for the last 300 years, higher education was designed to meet the needs of the privileged few.
We see it differently: We strive to make education work for all. Education has the power to transform lives, expand economies, and uplift communities, and everyone must have access to these opportunities. That is why we seek to become the nation’s first equity-serving institution—an inclusive, supportive university where all can excel.