 Denver 's many colleges and universities range in age and study programs . Three major public schools constitute the Auraria Campus , University of Colorado Denver , Metropolitan State University of Denver , and Community College of Denver . The private University of Denver was the first institution of higher learning in the city and was founded in 1864 . Other prominent Denver higher education institutions include Johnson & Wales University , Catholic ( Jesuit ) Regis University and the city has Roman Catholic and Jewish institutions , as well as a health sciences school . In addition to those schools within the city , there are a number of schools located throughout the surrounding metro area . 
