Overview
At the base of the Rocky Mountains in the heart of the #1 college town in America (Best College Reviews, 2023) lies the University of Colorado Boulder. With seven colleges, schools and programs, a 19:1 student-faculty ratio and 4,600+ academic courses across more than 160 fields of study, our students can tailor their education, expand their skillset and make the most of their college experience from day one. Students collaborate with the best and the brightest in their chosen field, unlocking their full potential and developing leadership and critical thinking skills that will make them an asset in any career. At CU Boulder, students forge connections with our talented faculty, students and alumni, leading the way for the next generation of original thinkers.
Acceptance Rate:
76%
Average Net Price:
$21,198
Campus Setting:
Small city
Average GPA
3.8
Average ACT Composite
31
Average SAT Composite
1330
Virtual Tour
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $14,004 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $43,624 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $17,794 |
| Books and Supplies | $1200 |
Average Net Price By Family Income
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]
Aid & Grants
0
100
72%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
14%
Average Aid Per Year
$10,477
14%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,721
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$8,304
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
10%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$3924
23%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,721
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$112,458,696
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$49,501,122
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
29%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$10,614
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$13,000
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$186
Students receiving federal loans
28%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$4,968
Average Other Loans Per Year
$28,696
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
69248
Students Applied
71%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
3517
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
No
AP Course Credit
No
Dual Enrollment
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. | November 15 | May 1 |
| Fall Regular Decision | January 15 | May 1 |
| Spring Regular Decision | October 1 | |
| Other | March 1 |
Application Fee
$65
Fee waivers availableApplications Accepted
Admitted Student Stats
14%
Submitting ACT
31%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 31
Average SAT Composite: 1330
SAT Percentiles
Math
Reading
3.8
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA
Students Enrolled By Class Rank
Students Enrolled By Household Income
Admissions Resources
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
38,428
Total Number of Undergrads
31,939
0
100
59%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
74%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
19:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
- Some Programs Requires Co-Op/Internship
Learning Options
- ROTC Army
- ROTC Air Force
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
111
Faculty Overview
0
100
69%
Faculty With Terminal Degree US National: 36%
Gender
Ethnicity
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Size of Town
Small city
US States Represented
52
Countries Represented
100
Ethnicity
Percent of First Generation Students
15%
Student Organizations
450
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
0
100
27%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
Yes
Disability Housing Available
Yes
0
100
94%
Freshman Living on Campus
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Buffaloes
School Colors
silver, gold, and black
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Big Twelve Conference
Total Male Athletes
196
Total Female Athletes
163
Intramural Sports
15
Sports Club
30
Sports Team (Men)
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Skiing-Snowboarding
- Track and Field
Sports Team (Women)
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Skiing-Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
University of Colorado Boulder Athletics: visit page
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
No
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$73,700
Top 5 Cities
Denver
San Francisco
New York
Los Angeles
Seattle
Top 5 Employers
University of Colorado Boulder
Lockheed Martin
Amazon
Ball Aerospace
Charles Schwab
Top 5 Sectors
Business Development
Education
Engineering
Operations
Sales
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$13,000
Loan Default Rate
5%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$186
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingThere are classes ranging from several hundred students to just a handful. It is easy to contact teachers and have them help you in the courtesy of their own office. There are also help rooms for several of the math and science classes where you can get help from your peers and staff. Most of the classes are appropriately challenging and have good professors.
John from Arvada, CO
CU Boulder has a variety of classes with levels you can choose from that suite you. No doubt, some classes are a little more challenging than others, but it's great feeling after you've accomplished a semester. The professors know what they are talking about, and they have a passion for their field of study. If you have any questions, most professors are easy to get a hold of over email or during office hours.
Christian from Waipahu, HI
This school has a lot to offer. Not only do you have the opportunity to explore and learn with a very diverse body of students from all over the world, but you also have the ability to specialize and tailor your education in the many different colleges that the University is home to. Such as the College of Architecture and Planning, the College of Arts and Sciences, Leeds School of Business, the School of Education, College of Engineering And Applied Science, the School of Law, and their Graduate School. Therefore offering many different courses on topics ranging from Nordic influences in The Lord of the Rings to organic chemistry. And don't be intimidated, they offer every form of study help you can think of in very convenient ways.
Hannah from Denver, CO
I am a psychology major in one of the largest and best psychology departments in the country. Admittedly, there are many schools that have quality psychology departments, but the University of Colorado's is very well equipped for research, especially in child an cognitive psychology. Also, our professors are very involved and friendly. Their lectures are both informative and full of funny stories.
Alexandra from Boulder, CO
There are tons of options as far as classes and degrees go. I really feel like I'm getting a quality education and the teachers are willing to work with all the students and help them out. There are lots of opportunities to work with other students to find out how get good grades or do well on tests and what not. So far all of my teachers have known exactly what they're talking about when it comes to their subjects. I've learned more in one semester then I've learned in all of my high school career.
Athena from Spring Creek, NV
University of Colorado at Boulder offers a wide variety of topics to emerge yourself in. I have declared my major in Ethnic Studies and am amazed about how many events that happen and conferences that go on that are about my major. Since attending school here I have learned a lot and am eager to learn more.
Tia from Hilo, HI
I am meeting outstanding academic challenges, which push me to the top of my game. I find time to access stunning mountains and ski resorts once weekly, and go mountain biking as often as I can. My roommate and friends in the Residential Academic Program have helped me to know I've found my tribe.
Out of State Student
A great school especially if you are from Colorado. Everything about CU Boulder is welcoming and fun. You can't go wrong with this school!
Adam from Parker, CO
I am currently a freshman majoring in civil engineering as a freshman, and I can assure you that the level of difficulty in the engineering department is very challenging compared to AP courses. Rest assured though, engineering across all colleges is notorious for its heavy workload and steep learning curve as it involves heavy math and hands on experience.
Kevin from Lakewood, CO
I love CU it easy to learn. If you are not understanding something there is always a TA or even the professor to help you out or give you advice about study habits. One of the first things your teachers tell you is to get someones number and learn their name so you can have a study partner and a new friend. Its a great environment for learning and has great enthusiastic teachers to make even a class you may find boring fun.
Breanna from Northglenn, CO
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