Why Students Love DU, According to the Princeton Review
The publication’s 391 Best Colleges of 2026 gives DU high marks across nine categories, including two Top 10.
There are plenty of —from its rigorous academic programs to its signature 4D Experience. These qualities help define what makes DU special. And according to the , students have shown their appreciation, earning DU high marks in nine categories.
The annual rankings are based on survey results from over 170,000 students across the country. Its purpose is clear: discover what students love most about their schools.
High marks in academics
DU received an academic rating of 86 on the Princeton Review’s scale of 60-99, reflecting its challenging programs, broad range of course offerings—including service- learning classes that let students apply their learning in the real world—and the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, which offers an engaging extension of the classroom experience.
This rating factored in graduation rates, the student-faculty ratio, and student reviews of their instructors—who earned a 91 for being “interesting” and a 94 for “accessibility.” Students said their professors were "helpful, interesting, informed, enthusiastic, resourceful, and truly [caring]."
“Providing our students with an exceptional education will always be our core mission and focus,” says DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “With thanks for our faculty’s expertise and commitment to the teacher-scholar model, we know our students graduate with the valuable knowledge and skills they need to advance in their careers and serve the public good.”
Preparing students for the workforce
As part of the 4D Experience, students are taught how to design careers and lives of purpose. They learn how to connect the dots across experiences, set goals, and apply those skills and talents for the public good. From on-campus jobs and internships to professional development programs, they have countless opportunities to sharpen their abilities and gain real-world experience.
The results speak for themselves. Within six months of graduating, 90% of alumni are employed or pursuing graduate education.
A great city to live in
The University also ranked 14th in the “College City Gets High Marks” category, which is based on how students rank their school’s hometown. Whether it’s 300 days of sunshine a year, the eclectic yet charming neighborhoods surrounding campus, or the proximity to the Rocky Mountains and its world-class skiing, hiking, and camping, it’s no wonder that nearly 70% of DU alumni stay in Colorado after graduating.
DU made the top 25 in these categories
#6 Best College Library
#10 Students Love These Colleges
#11 Town-Gown Relations Are Great (based on student ratings of how well they get along with the local community)
#12 Best Athletic Facilities
#14 College City Gets High Marks
#16 Best Health Services
#24 Best Career Services
#24 Best-Run Colleges
#25 LGBTQ-Friendly
The Princeton Review has published these rankings since 1992 but does not provide an overall ranking. The results are based on institution-reported information and student surveys conducted independently by the Princeton Review.