Princeton Review Ranks DU No. 1 for ‘Students Love Their College’

The results are in: Students love DU.

The University earned the top rank in the category, "Their Students Love These Colleges," and placed in the top 25 in several other categories in Princeton Review's 390 Best Colleges of 2025.The annual rankings are based on a survey of 168,000 college students at colleges and universities across the country. DU's No. 1 ranking was an increase of 12 places over last year's ranking.

Their love for the University, students said, stems from an outstanding campus community and DU's holistic approach to the academic experience. In the words of one student, there's "a really strong sense of community and lots of incredible academic talent." The outdoorsy, active and social nature of the student body was also a driving factor.

High marks in academics

DU received an academic rating of 85 on the Princeton Review's scale of 60-99, thanks to factors like the freedom to pursue passions through the variety of course offerings; having two campuses; rigorous academics; and dedicated professors. 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]."

Balancing rigorous research with excellent instruction

As a Research 1 (R1) university, DU's professors are dedicated to finding innovative solutions to society's biggest challenges. While their prowess as researchers is indisputable, professors' talent in the classroom did not go unnoticed. "For an institution that is highly focused on research, I've been so impressed with how invested my professors are in teaching. The majority of the professors I've had have been active researchers but still give their all to the class," one student said.

And DU's academic experience goes far beyond the Denver campus. Varied coursework and opportunities for experiential learning "allow for time to be spent outside the classroom applying what is learned on lecture days," a student said. Several students also reported that the outdoor adventures, team-building activities and workshops offered at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus rounded out their studies. "I am always learning something new and interesting, whether from class, guest lectures, clubs, events or my friends," said another.

"Academic excellence is at the heart of our DU 4D Experience, driven by our exceptional faculty who inspire and mentor our students to reach their fullest potential," says DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. "This commitment to high-quality education is reflected in our top-tier Princeton Review rankings. Our students not only excel academically but are also actively preparing for their future careers and life after university by building strong community connections and prioritizing their well-being. Here at DU, they gain the knowledge, skills, and support needed to thrive during their time on campus and in their professional lives ahead."

A city to live in

The University also ranked 13th 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 Mile High City's active dining and nightlife scenes, Denver's eclectic neighborhoods, proximity to the Rocky Mountains or something else, it's no wonder that nearly 70% of DU alumni stay in Colorado after graduating.

Committed to sustainability

DU also earned a spot in the Top 50 Green Colleges list, which took into account the University's sustainable practices, environmental education and quality of life for students. And it's not just the University-the student body is"[dedicated] to environmental initiatives, and social justice in general," a student said.

DU made the top 25 in these categories

#1 Their Students Love These Colleges

#7 Best College Library

#13 College City Gets High Marks

#15 Best-Run Colleges

#18 Best Health Services

#21 LGBTQ-Friendly

#22 Town-Gown Relations Are Great (based on student ratings of how well they get along with the local community)

#23 Happiest Students

#24 Most Beautiful Campus; Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation

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.