56 American Colleges With Surrounding Cities Full of Career and Networking Potential

46. University of Denver – Gateway to the Rockies & Corporate West

The University of Denver (DU) is positioned at the intersection of outdoor lifestyle and serious career ambition. Its Daniels College of Business and Josef Korbel School of International Studies connect students to booming industries in energy, renewable tech, outdoor rec, and global trade. Denver’s strong base in aerospace (Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace), finance, and entrepreneurship makes DU a launchpad for students who want both career access and work-life balance. Plus, the city's proximity to federal labs and NGOs means policy and public service careers thrive here too.