City education guide
Denver CO
Schools, degree programs and student life in Denver CO. Compare sponsored programs below, or tell us what you want to study.
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Discover Denver CO
Denver, CO – The Mile High City, where urban adventure meets stunning Rocky Mountain views. Whether you're exploring the city's vibrant arts scene, indulging in craft beer culture, or heading into nature for outdoor thrills, Denver offers the perfect blend of city life and outdoor escape.
- Population: ~715,000
- Weather: Four distinct seasons; sunny year-round, with mild summers (60-90°F) and snowy winters (15-50°F).
- Places To Visit: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Art Museum, Union Station, Larimer Square, Denver Botanic Gardens.
- Top Activities: Hiking in the Rockies, brewery hopping in RiNo, skiing in nearby resorts, catching a Broncos or Nuggets game, exploring local farmers' markets.
- Famous Food: Green chili smothered burritos, Rocky Mountain oysters, bison burgers, craft brews from local breweries.
Fun facts
Denver, Colorado, also known as the Mile High City, is a place filled with history, culture, and stunning mountain views. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are some fun facts about Denver:
- Exactly One Mile High – The 13th step of the Colorado State Capitol is precisely 5,280 feet above sea level.
- The Cheeseburger Was Trademarked Here – In 1935, Louis Ballast of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In trademarked the name “cheeseburger” in Denver.
- Sunshine Galore – Denver enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year, more than San Diego or Miami!
- Beer Capital – Denver has more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city.
- Home to the Biggest Rodeo – The National Western Stock Show in Denver is the largest rodeo in the world.
- A Striking Blue Horse – The Blue Mustang statue near the Denver airport has glowing red eyes and has become an eerie but famous landmark.
- Invented the Fool’s Gold Loaf – This famous sandwich, made of peanut butter, bacon, and jelly on a loaf of bread, was popularized by Elvis Presley.
- Wild West Roots – Denver was originally a gold mining town and was founded during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush.
- Fastest Growing City – Denver’s population has been growing rapidly, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
- Dinosaur Discoveries – Fossils from dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and Triceratops have been found near Denver.
Jobs and careers
Denver, CO, is a thriving city known for its booming industries in technology, healthcare, finance, energy, and aerospace. With its growing job market and strong economy, many professionals find rewarding careers here.
| Job Title | Average Salary | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | ~$80,000 | Healthcare |
| Software Developer | ~$105,000 | Technology |
| Financial Analyst | ~$85,000 | Finance |
| Civil Engineer | ~$90,000 | Engineering |
| Project Manager | ~$95,000 | Business |
High schools
Denver, CO, is home to some of the best high schools in the state, offering outstanding academic programs and extracurricular activities to prepare students for college and beyond.
Top Public High Schools in Denver
- Denver School of the Arts – A magnet school that offers a strong academic program along with specialized arts education in music, theater, and visual arts.
- DSST: Stapleton High School – Known for its rigorous STEM-focused curriculum and strong college preparation programs.
- East High School – A historic school offering AP courses, a diverse student body, and strong athletics and arts programs.
- Cherry Creek High School – Located just outside Denver, it provides excellent academics, athletics, and various extracurricular activities.
- George Washington High School – Offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program and strong academic opportunities.
Top Private High Schools in Denver
- Colorado Academy – A top-ranked independent school with small class sizes and a strong focus on college preparation.
- Kent Denver School – A distinguished private school offering rigorous academics, leadership programs, and a strong arts curriculum.
- Regis Jesuit High School – A Catholic school with separate boys’ and girls’ divisions, known for its faith-based education and strong academics.
- St. Mary’s Academy – A highly respected all-girls school that offers an IB program and fosters leadership skills.
- The Alexander Dawson School – Provides an innovative curriculum, strong student support, and excellent extracurricular opportunities.
Colleges and universities
Denver is home to top universities and colleges known for their excellence in business, healthcare, engineering, and the arts.
Top Public Colleges & Universities in Denver
University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) – A leading research university offering strong programs in business, engineering, healthcare, and the arts.
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) – A diverse public university known for its hands-on learning, business, aviation, and STEM programs.
Community College of Denver (CCD) – A well-regarded community college offering associate degrees and certification programs in business, healthcare, and technology.
Red Rocks Community College – A top community college providing career-focused education in nursing, construction, and environmental sciences.
Front Range Community College (Westminster Campus) – Serving the Denver area, this college offers programs in cybersecurity, business, and healthcare.
Top Private Colleges & Universities in Denver
University of Denver (DU) – A prestigious private university known for its top-ranked business, law, and international studies programs.
Regis University – A Jesuit university offering strong healthcare, business, and education programs with a focus on leadership and service.
Colorado Christian University (CCU) – A faith-based institution known for its robust liberal arts, business, and education programs.
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) – A leading school specializing in digital art, design, and creative media programs.
Johnson & Wales University - Denver (formerly) – Previously recognized for its culinary and hospitality programs before its closure.
Sports teams
Denver, Colorado, is home to several professional sports teams that have achieved significant success across different major leagues, bringing excitement to fans throughout the region.
🏀 Basketball – Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Denver Nuggets – Founded in 1967, the Nuggets became an NBA team in 1976. They won their first NBA championship in 2023, led by stars like Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. The team has consistently been a playoff contender in recent years.
🏈 Football – Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Broncos – One of the most successful franchises in the NFL, the Broncos have won three Super Bowls (1997, 1998, and 2015). Legendary players like John Elway, Terrell Davis, and Peyton Manning have helped shape the team's winning history.
⚾ Baseball – Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Rockies – Founded in 1993, the Rockies made it to their first World Series in 2007 but were defeated by the Boston Red Sox. Known for their high-scoring games at Coors Field, the team has cultivated star players like Todd Helton and Nolan Arenado.
🏒 Hockey – Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
- Colorado Avalanche – The Avalanche have won three Stanley Cup championships (1996, 2001, and 2022). Led by stars like Joe Sakic, Patrick Roy, and Nathan MacKinnon, they have been one of the league’s most dominant franchises.
⚽ Soccer – Colorado Rapids (MLS)
- Colorado Rapids – A founding member of Major League Soccer, the Rapids won their first MLS Cup in 2010. They have built a passionate fan base and continue to be a competitive team in the league.
🏀 Lacrosse – Colorado Mammoth (NLL)
- Colorado Mammoth – Competing in the National Lacrosse League, the Mammoth have won three NLL championships (2006, 2022, and 2024). They have one of the most dedicated fan bases in professional lacrosse.
Places for students
Denver, Colorado, offers many awesome spots for students to chill, destress, and have some fun. Whether you're into laid-back cafés, parks, or urban adventures, Denver has plenty of cool hangout spots to explore.
16th Street Mall – Located downtown, this pedestrian-friendly street is lined with eclectic cafés, unique shops, and cool places to eat. It's perfect for grabbing lunch after class or relaxing with friends on weekends.
Washington Park ("Wash Park") – This lush green space is great for lounging, studying outdoors, or playing sports. Grab your bike or frisbee, and enjoy Denver’s beautiful sunny days.
Union Station – Union Station is more than a transit hub. Inside, there's a mix of trendy shops, cafés, restaurants, and cozy spots to gather with friends for coffee or snacks.
South Broadway ("SoBo") Neighborhood – Known for its cool vintage stores, indie coffee shops, and live music venues, SoBo is the ideal neighborhood for students seeking a hip and casual vibe.
Larimer Square – Filled with string lights, fun events, and eateries, Larimer Square offers a lively atmosphere. It's perfect if you're looking for a chill place to spend the evening with friends.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre – Catch a concert, take a hike, or just spend the afternoon soaking in stunning Rocky Mountain views. Red Rocks is a must-visit spot for unforgettable experiences.
RiNo Art District (River North) – This artsy area is packed with unique murals, craft breweries, tasty street food, and chill gathering spots. You'll find plenty of interesting places to relax between classes or unwind on the weekends.
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