Invest in Yourself
Tuition & Cost
A college degree is an investment in your future. Because of our status as an accredited research university and location in the heart of downtown Denver, our degrees help graduates with career prospects, networking connections, and increasing their earning potential.
Take a look at the estimated costs below for average tuition for two semesters of full-time attendance. Other tools on this page will help you understand more about tuition and cost. At CU Denver, we are proud that 72% of our full-time undergraduate students receive financial aid through grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. We want to help you find the best way to invest in college.
Approximate Tuition Costs
The figures below are based on average rates for the current academic year. For more information about tuition and billing, please visit the Student Finances site. The amounts shown are estimates only and your figure may be higher or lower based on your program of study and additional fees.
Undergraduate Students
Resident Tuition & Fees:
$11,772 per year (Fall 2024 - Spring 2025)
For an undergraduate student with Colorado residency taking 12 credit hours each term (24 credit hours total over two semesters) after you apply for the College Opportunity Fund. You must apply for the College Opportunity Fund. Please note this estimate is based on the Business, Engineering, Design & Computing tuition rates.
Non-Resident Tuition & Fees:
$30,780 per year (Fall 2024 - Spring 2025)
For an undergraduate student without Colorado residency taking 12 credit hours each term (24 credit hours total over two semesters). Please note this estimate is based on the Business, Engineering, Design & Computing tuition rates.
Graduate Students
Graduate Resident Tuition & Fees: $9,606 per year (Fall 2024 - Spring 2025)
For a graduate student with a Colorado residency taking 6 credit hours each term (12 credit hours total over two semesters). Please note this estimate is based on the Engineering, Design & Computing tuition rates.
Non-Resident Graduate Tuition & Fees: $19,878 per year (Fall 2024 - Spring 2025)
For a graduate student without Colorado residency taking 6 credit hours each term (12 credit hours total over two semesters). Please note this estimate is based on the Engineering, Design & Computing tuition rates.
International Students
Undergraduate (Bachelor) Tuition & Fees:
$32,196 per year (Fall 2024 - Spring 2025)
For an international undergraduate student taking 12 credit hours each term (24 credit hours total over two semesters). Learn more on international undergraduate costs. Please note this estimate is based on the Business, Engineering, Design & Computing tuition rates.
Graduate (Master or Doctoral) Tuition & Fees:
$19,878 per year (Fall 2024 - Spring 2025)
For an international graduate student taking 6 credit hours each term (12 credit hours total over two semesters). Learn more on international graduate costs. Please note this estimate is based on the Engineering, Design & Computing tuition rates.
International Student Costs & Financial Aid
Cost Calculator
At CU Denver, tuition is set by the University of Colorado Board of Regents. Student government, too, votes on fees. These are fixed costs, but the exact amount you pay depends on your resident status, number of credit hours, and course level. The Cost Calculator can help you estimate that amount.
CU Denver’s Cost of Attendance Calculator
CU Denver’s Cost of Attendance Calculator provides an estimate of your cost for the upcoming school year and the gift aid you will likely be awarded. Estimates are based on the most current available information.
U.S. Department of Education’s Net Price Calculator
The U.S. Department of Education’s Net Price Calculator provides an estimate of the amount an undergraduate student would pay based on costs and financial aid provided to students in a previous year.
Financial Aid
We believe all students deserve the opportunity to realize their potential. We want to make sure your bill is not a barrier to your success. The cost of college may seem considerable. However, a large majority of CU Denver students receive some form of financial aid, which includes grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Financial aid can lower the overall cost of college.
Scholarships & Grants
Financial aid comes from local, state, federal, and private sources. There are different forms of financial aid that students can apply for to help pay for tuition and costs.
Scholarships are awarded to students based on academic or other achievements. Scholarship funds are granted to students and are not expected to be repaid. A list of CU Denver scholarships and their application requirements is available at ScholarLynx+, the university’s scholarships database. Admitted students can log into ScholarLYNX using their CU Denver login credentials.
Grants are awarded to students, typically based on financial need. Grants may require applicants to provide individual or family financial information and are not expected to be repaid.
Loans & Work-Study
Federal student loans are specific loans intended to help students pay for tuition and college costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. The interest rates on federal student loans are often lower than other loans. Additionally, payments on federal student loans are usually deferred or temporarily suspended while a student attends college. Students are required to begin repaying federal student loans after graduating or leaving college.
Earn money to pay for school with part-time work. Work-study is a type of financial aid that allows students to work part time to earn money to pay for educational expenses. Students can be awarded state or federally funded work-study aid. Through work-study, students may work on or off campus.