Academic Comparison between DU and USD

University of Denver and University of South Dakota are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. DU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Denver, CO and USD is a four-year, public school located in Vermillion, SD.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • DU is a private (not-for-profit) and USD is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • DU has more expensive tuition & fees ($59,340) than USD ($12,942).
  • It is harder to admit to DU than USD.
  • DU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,320) than USD (1,195).
  • DU has higher submitted ACT score (30) than USD (22).
  • DU has more students with 13,734 students while USD has 9,856 students.
  • DU has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while USD's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • DU has more full-time faculties with 742 faculties while USD has 433 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Denvervs.University of South Dakota
Denver, ColoradoLocationVermillion, South Dakota
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$59,3402024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,432
Out-Of-State$12,942
91%% Receiving Financial Aid57%
$31,610Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,850
71.00 %Acceptance Rates99.01 %
11.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)26.00 %
1,320SAT Score1,195
30ACT Score22
77 %Graduation Rate57 %
-Transfer-out Rate25 %
88 %Retention Rate82 %
13,734Student Population9,856
742Number of Faculties433
8 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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