The University of Denver (DU) stands as a paragon of athletic excellence in the United States. With a storied history dating back to 1867, DU’s athletic teams, known as the Denver Pioneers, have amassed an impressive 35 NCAA Division I national championships, placing the university among the top 15 institutions nationwide in terms of athletic success . This remarkable achievement is a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of competitiveness, discipline, and sportsmanship.
DU’s athletic prowess is particularly evident in winter sports. The men’s ice hockey team has secured a record-breaking 10 NCAA national titles, the most recent being in 2024, solidifying its status as a dominant force in collegiate hockey . Similarly, the ski team boasts an unparalleled 24 NCAA championships, making it the most successful collegiate ski program in the nation . These accomplishments not only highlight the university’s athletic excellence but also its ability to cultivate talent that competes at the highest levels.
Beyond winter sports, DU has made significant strides in other athletic arenas. The men’s lacrosse team, for instance, clinched its first NCAA championship in 2015 and has consistently been a formidable contender in subsequent tournaments . The women’s gymnastics program has also garnered national attention, winning its first Big 12 Championship and achieving a fourth-place finish at the NCAA National Championships in 2019 .
DU’s commitment to athletics is matched by its dedication to academic excellence. The university boasts a 96% graduation success rate among its student-athletes, with nine of the 17 eligible athletic programs earning perfect scores in the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate (APR) report . This balance between athletic and academic achievement underscores DU’s holistic approach to student development.
Sports Offered and Top Performing Programs (2024/2025)
DU offers a diverse array of varsity sports, including:
- Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- Men’s and Women’s Soccer
- Men’s and Women’s Golf
- Men’s and Women’s Tennis
- Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving
- Men’s and Women’s Alpine and Nordic Skiing
- Men’s Ice Hockey
- Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse
- Women’s Volleyball
- Women’s Gymnastics
In the 2024/2025 season, the men’s ice hockey team continued its dominance by securing its 10th NCAA national title . The ski team maintained its legacy with consistent top finishes in national competitions . Additionally, the men’s lacrosse team reached the NCAA semifinals, reaffirming its position as a national powerhouse .
How to Apply to the University of Denver
Domestic Students:
- Application Methods:
- Apply through the Common Application .
- Deadlines:
- Early Decision I and Early Action: November 1
- Early Decision II and Regular Decision: January 15
- Application Fee:
- $65 (fee waivers available for eligible students) .
International Students:
- Application Methods:
- Apply through the Common Application .
- Deadlines:
- Same as domestic students: November 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action; January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision .
- Additional Requirements:
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or CAE) .
- Financial documentation demonstrating the ability to cover tuition and living expenses .
Courses Offered at the University of Denver
DU provides a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Game Development
- Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
- Bachelor of Science in Management
- Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Data Science
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering
- Master of Science in Marketing
- Master of Science in Management
- Master of Science in Bioengineering
- Master of Arts in Economics
- LLM in American Law Practice
- LLM in International Business Transactions
These programs are offered through DU’s ten colleges, including the Daniels College of Business, Sturm College of Law, and the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science .
Application Process and Eligibility
Domestic Students:
- Eligibility:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Application Process:
- Submit the Common Application with required documents, including transcripts and letters of recommendation .
International Students:
- Eligibility:
- Equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma.
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL: 80+, IELTS: 6.5+, Duolingo: 115+, CAE: Grade C or higher) .
- Application Process:
- Submit the Common Application with required documents, including academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and financial documentation .
Coaches in All Sport Categories
DU’s athletic programs are led by experienced coaches dedicated to developing student-athletes:
- Men’s Ice Hockey:
- Head Coach: David Carle .
- Men’s Lacrosse:
- Head Coach: Matt Brown .
- Women’s Golf:
- Head Coach: Martha Richards .
- Women’s Volleyball:
- Head Coach: Megan Pendergast .
For a comprehensive list of coaches across all sports, prospective students can visit the official DU athletics website:
Most Award-Winning Sport Programs
DU’s most decorated athletic programs include:
- Men’s Ice Hockey:
- 10 NCAA national championships, the most recent in 2024 .
- Skiing:
- 24 NCAA national championships, making it the most successful collegiate ski program in the U.S. .
- Men’s Lacrosse:
- 1 NCAA national championship (2015) and multiple semifinal appearances .
- Women’s Gymnastics:
- Big 12 Championship and a fourth-place finish at the NCAA National Championships in 2019 .
Scholarship Programs for Domestic and International Students
Domestic Students:
- Merit-Based Scholarships:
- Range from $10,000
