University of Colorado Denver

About University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) is Colorado's premier public urban research university, situated in the bustling heart of downtown Denver on the vibrant 150-acre Auraria Campus. Founded in 1912 as an extension center of the University of Colorado and chartered as an independent university in 1973, CU Denver serves as an engine of social mobility, technological innovation, and creative vitality for the Rocky Mountain West. CU Denver is classified as a Carnegie R1: Doctoral University with Very High Research Activity and is part of the esteemed University of Colorado System. Its unique urban location integrates academic study with downtown Denver's central business district, state government offices, high-tech startups, and arts districts. The university comprises seven distinguished schools and colleges: the AACSB-accredited Business School (housed in its own landmark building on Lawrence Street), the College of Architecture and Planning (the only school in Colorado offering accredited professional architecture and urban planning degrees), the pioneering College of Arts & Media (noted for Music & Entertainment Industry Studies and 3D animation), the College of Engineering, Design and Computing, the nationally ranked School of Public Affairs, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the School of Education & Human Development. Students enjoy modern residential living at City Heights and Lynx Crossing, world-class athletic facilities at the Lola & Rob Salazar Student Wellness Center, and the historic Tivoli Student Union.