CU Denver Signs Direct Admissions Agreement with St. Vrain Valley Schools—Its Fifth with a Nearby School District

Students in St. Vrain Valley Schools, a school district that serves more than 33,000 learners across communities in northern Colorado, now have easier access to a CU Denver degree. Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen signed the university’s fifth guaranteed admissions agreement with St. Vrain on June 24. The partnership supports the university’s public service obligation to make education work for all by opening the door wider to a four-year degree from Colorado’s premier public urban research university.

The agreement makes the admissions process simpler and more cost effective for eligible St. Vrain students. At the start of each fall semester, juniors and seniors who earn a weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher will receive an email from CU Denver inviting them to complete their application—with the application fee waived. Students who submit their application and transcripts by Nov. 1 will get an official decision letter with next steps by mid-November. Through the agreement, CU Denver will also offer guidance, financial aid resources, and one-on-one help to support the success of students from St. Vrain.

“Students who challenge themselves academically should be able to see a clear path to college,” Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen said of the latest direct admissions agreement. “This partnership with St. Vrain recognizes that hard work. At CU Denver, we are committed to making higher education accessible, attainable, and connected to students’ goals.”

St. Vrain is no stranger to high-achieving students. The district has some of Colorado’s highest graduation rates and offers extensive Advanced Placement (AP), concurrent enrollment in college courses, and career-connected learning across Boulder, Weld, and Larimer counties. “Our students work hard to meet rigorous academic expectations throughout their time in St. Vrain,” said Superintendent Jackie Kapushion. “We appreciate CU Denver’s recognition of their achievements and the opportunities this partnership provides for students who choose to pursue a four-year degree.”

Students who choose to continue their education at CU Denver are also more likely to see a strong return on investment for their education. CU Denver ranks No. 1 in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region for boosting students’ social mobility and propels students into higher lifetime earnings. Several of CU Denver’s undergraduate programs are ranked in the top five in the state and Rocky Mountain Region.  

The direct admissions agreement follows similar partnerships with Denver Public Schools, Aurora Public Schools, Jeffco Public Schools, and Littleton Public Schools that were finalized over the last year. The latest agreement marks the first in northern Colorado. St. Vrain serves students across 13 communities, including Longmont, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Mead, Niwot, and parts of Broomfield and Boulder.

For more information about CU Denver’s direct admissions agreements, visit ucdenver.info/direct-admissions.