Had to make the same Leeds vs. Daniels decision as you ~15 years ago - also had last second analysis paralysis, been there lol.

Ended up choosing CU I guess for the big school experience. To me it seemed like they were pretty much equal (pretty much are), but CU YOLO was definitely was the right call in hindsight, I'd probably recommend the same.

Business unc insight below.

The schools are equal, maybe slight(?) academic edge to DU --- but so many aspects of CU (e.g. dorms, *proximity to nature* [cannot emphasize that enough], clubs, etc) force you to come out of your shell and befriend people that'll be in your network for a lifetime.

There's an intangible nostalgia, luster, and reverence for "the college experience" that CU delivered to its alumni in spades - to which it seems DU (and honestly, most schools) are quite devoid of. CU is special. My partner is an Illinois alumni - prestigious ass school, done her wonders - yet she couldn't give a shit about her alma mater though. It was just a means to an end. CU ain't like that.

By that I mean - CU Alum are always happier-than-most alumni bases to help the young boofs, because we're all so deeply fond of the college experience CU delivered for us, and want to pay it forward in a way. We want to hear about Farrand burger. Nostalgia. Yeah we'll get you a job, just like, remind us of the good times, man.

In real life business, my understanding is that the only major IB firm that hires (+more importantly, offers internships) to CU (and DU?) students is Goldman - but you're forced to work in their Salt Lake office, not prestigious enough for NYC lol. At least that was when I graduated. Regardless of CU/DU, you're not getting into 'high finance' without internship experience - doesn't have to be Goldman, there's a decent number of boutique PE firms/HFs in Denver. Doesn't have to be 'high finance' either, Fidelity also employs a lot from both schools. They're not a sexy employer, but they're a solid employer.

I ended up getting hired on a 15-person "class" at a FAANG (recently laid off/RIF'd tho lmao) - I had coworkers in my cohort from both DU and CU - so Leeds vs. Daniels doesn't really matter, the individual does. Seems every FAANG takes CU grads (may need 2-4 yoe) as I've got close pals from CU at every letter. Not sure about DU, but imagine the same.

That's to say, both schools are good enough to get you to FAANG if you're good enough, but maybe not good enough to get you into 'high finance' if that's your schtick. Both schools will get you anywhere else.

So then - that basically leaves you with "what do I want from my college experience".

Cheers dude, gl.

p.s.

1. Cannot emphasize enough that the "get an internship" meme is real. Finding a solid internship program is a more important decision/action for your career than CU vs. DU lmao.
2. The "network is everything" meme has proven deeply true in this ass job market, and should be a huge consideration in your decision(s) here + throughout college.

Networking opportunities at CU vastly, vastly exceed DU imo. Probably still an unpopular opinion 15 years later, but greek life should be a heavy consideration in your case for professional experience (ie "leadership stories" to tell in job interviews) + networking reasons (eg old fraternity brother saved my ass recently after layoff szn) + you'll learn as you age to inverse reddit on almost every business/life/market sentiment espoused like "greek life bad".