Regis University (Denver) vs. Stetson University (DeLand): How to Choose
Two private universities, different coasts, different characters. Your "rather live in" instinct matters—college is 4 years of daily life, not just a credential.
Side-by-Side Snapshot (2024 Data)
| Factor | Regis University (Denver, CO) | Stetson University (DeLand, FL) |
|---|
| Type | Jesuit Catholic | Private, nonsectarian (Florida Baptist heritage) |
| Enrollment | ~7,000 (4,000 undergrad) | ~4,300 (3,000 undergrad) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 13:1 | 12:1 |
| Tuition (2024-25) | $41,990 | $52,430 |
| Avg Net Price (after aid) | $24,000 | $28,000 |
| Location Vibe | Urban Denver (NW), mountains 30 min, 300 sunny days | Small-town DeLand (Orlando 40 min, Daytona 30 min), historic |
| Known For | Nursing, PT, Pharmacy, Business, Cybersecurity, Service-learning | Law (Stetson Law #3 trial advocacy), Music, Business, Pre-health |
| Campus Culture | Service-oriented, diverse, commuter-heavy (40%), adult learners | Residential (80%+ on campus), Greek life, Division I sports (Hatters) |
| Outcomes (6-yr grad rate) | 65% | 68% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $62K | $54K |
Denver vs. DeLand: Lifestyle
- Denver: Major metro (3M), tech/healthcare/energy jobs, outdoor access (ski, hike, bike), transit expanding, high cost of living, altitude adjustment.
- DeLand: Charming historic downtown, Stetson Green, spring training (Blue Jays), near beaches & Orlando, lower COL, car-dependent, hurricane risk, humid summers.
Decision Framework
- Academic fit: Which has your major/program strength? (Regis: health sciences, cyber. Stetson: law pipeline, music, business.)
- Financial fit: Compare net price (FAFSA + institutional aid). Regis typically cheaper.
- Environment fit: Urban commuter vs. residential college town. Where will you thrive socially?
- Values fit: Jesuit mission (service, justice, reflection) vs. liberal arts breadth (Stetson).
- Career geography: Regis → Denver/West. Stetson → Florida/Southeast. Law: Stetson Law (Gulfport) feeds FL bar.
Visit Both
- Sit in a class. Eat in dining hall. Talk to juniors in your major.
- Ask: "What frustrated you this year?" "How accessible are professors?" "Weekend culture?"
Your gut said Stetson for living. Your head may say Regis for value/outcomes. Weight the gut at 50%—you're not a spreadsheet. If Stetson feels like home and aid makes it feasible, that's valid. If Regis's ROI and Denver access win, that's valid too. No wrong answer—only your answer.
Wanderlust World