The University of Colorado Denver considers a number of factors in determining student’s academic success. CU Denver follows Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) freshman admission standards and uses the average GPA and ACT/SAT middle 50 percent ranges to help determine admissibility. Meeting or not meeting the middle 50 percent does not guarantee admission.

Applicants are considered under freshmen admission standards if:

• applying for the first time after graduating from high school or passing a high school equivalency exam; and/or
• earned fewer than 24 college-level credit hours since high school graduation.

Note: College credits earned while in high school may be transferable to the university but are not required for an admission decision.

Admission Consideration by Academic Program

In addition to the above admission standards, each school/college within CU Denver has admission criteria specific to their area.

• College of Architecture and Planning
• College of Arts & Media
• Business School
• School of Education & Human Development
• College of Engineering, Design and Computing
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• School of Public Affairs

How to Apply for Freshman Admission

1. Complete and submit your application online at www.ucdenver.edu/admissions.
2. Pay your $50 non-refundable application fee. Note: You can indicate your eligibility for a fee waiver when you apply.
3. Send official high school transcripts or high school equivalency exam scores to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions mailing address or electronically.
   1. For high school graduates: An admission decision can be determined before high school graduation. However, if admitted to CU Denver, a final official high school transcript with a graduation date will be required.
   2. For high school equivalency exam recipients: Students who did not graduate from high school are required to have a copy of their high school equivalency exam test scores and certificate sent directly from the certifying agency to the CU Denver Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
4. CU Denver is test-optional and does not require test scores for admission consideration.  It is up to the applicant if they want their test score to be considered in the admission process. Applicants who choose not to submit a test score for admission will be considered the same as students who submit test scores. There is no penalty for not submitting a test score. Those choosing to submit test scores, can send official SAT or ACT scores to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions mailing address or electronically.
   • Scores reported on official high school transcripts are considered official test scores. Otherwise, please request test score reports from the offices listed below:

American College Testing Program (ACT)
P.O. Box 451
Iowa City, Iowa 52243
319-337-1313
www.ACT.org
school code: 0533

The College Board (SAT)
P.O. Box 8057
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
866-756-7346
www.collegeboard.org
school code: 4875