U.S. News & World Report recognizes CU Denver among the nation’s top public universities, with undergraduate programs in business, economics, and psychology earning strong regional rankings
For the sixth consecutive year, the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) is ranked No. 1 in Colorado for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report, recognizing the university’s role in creating pathways to opportunity and helping students translate a college education into meaningful careers.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings also placed CU Denver among the nation’s leading public universities. CU Denver is among the top five Colorado universities, and the top 10 universities in the Rocky Mountain region.
CU Denver Undergraduate Program National Recognition
- Undergraduate Economics nationally ranked 122
- Undergraduate Business nationally ranked 149
- Undergraduate Engineering nationally ranked 160
- Undergraduate Psychology nationally ranked 163
- Undergraduate Computer Science nationally ranked 173
How CU Denver Performs in the Region
Several CU Denver undergraduate programs also earned strong rankings in the 2027 Best Colleges report.
- The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ undergraduate economics program ranks among the top three in Colorado and the top five in the Rocky Mountain region.
- The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ undergraduate psychology program ranks among the top five in both Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.
- The Business School’s undergraduate business program ranks among the top five in Colorado and the top 10 in the Rocky Mountain region.
Together, the rankings highlight CU Denver’s strength across disciplines and its commitment to providing students with academic programs that connect their education to professional opportunities in Denver, Colorado, and beyond.
Creating Opportunity Through Higher Education
Located in the heart of one of the nation’s most innovative metropolitan areas, CU Denver connects students with the academic programs, employers, industries, and professional opportunities of the Denver region. The university’s location and mission allow students to combine classroom learning with real-world experiences while preparing for careers that contribute to Colorado’s workforce and communities.
About the Rankings
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings evaluate colleges and universities using a range of indicators related to academic quality and student outcomes. Its social mobility rankings assess how well institutions enroll and graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants.
The 2027 rankings build on CU Denver’s continued recognition by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to its undergraduate rankings, CU Denver has earned national and statewide recognition for graduate programs across the Business School, School of Public Affairs, School of Education and Human Development, College of Engineering, Design and Computing, and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Learn more about CU Denver’s rankings and academic programs.
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About the University of Colorado Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We’re the state’s premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners—at any stage of their life and career—for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $665 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit cudenver.edu.