University of Colorado Boulder
About University of Colorado Boulder
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
CU Boulder is a public research university in Boulder, Colorado, at the base of the Rocky Mountains. It is known for its aerospace engineering, physics, environmental science, and business programs. The campus is recognized for its distinctive Tuscan-style architecture.
Founded
1876
Location
Boulder, Colorado
Students
38,494
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
78.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
74.2%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$15,666
Out-of-state: $44,918
Avg Net Price
$25,346
After financial aid
SAT Average
1357
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$69,738
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Jan 15
University of Colorado Boulder accepts the majority of applicants at 78.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1357/ 1600
ACT Scores
28/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
74.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
90.2%
4-Year Grad
53%
6-Year Grad
74%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
75.8%
$/Student
$18.5K
Class Size
Medium
While 53% finish in 4 years, 90.2% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,666
In-State
$44,918
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,468
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$37,684
After Financial Aid
$25,346
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$14,231
Receive Grants
14.5%
Take Loans
24.8%
The full cost of attendance is about $37,684/yr for in-state students, including $18,468 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $25,346. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $44,918.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Colorado Boulder fund their education.
While in School
14.5%
Get Grants
Free money
24.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$70,221
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$207/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 24.8% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Colorado Boulder.
Gender
47.3%
Female
53%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
31,939
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
6,555
Graduates
20.4%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
5%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (47% women, 53% men). 20.4% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
31,939
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Boulder is consistently ranked best college town
- +Flatirons backdrop creates a stunning campus
- +Outdoor lifestyle with skiing, hiking, and biking
- +Strong engineering and aerospace programs
Cons
- -Boulder cost of living is very high
- -Party reputation can overshadow academics
- -Out-of-state tuition is expensive
- -Altitude adjustment can affect some students
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Colorado Boulder fields 9 varsity teams with 463 student athletes, about 1% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Pacific-12
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
463
1% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
250
Men
213
Women
5
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Colorado Boulderearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$69,738
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$56K
1201 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$30K
585 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$77K
483 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
$42K
411 grads
1yr Earnings
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
$34K
351 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$40K
281 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $55K at six years, $50K at eight, and $70K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Colorado Boulder
What is the acceptance rate at University of Colorado Boulder?▾
How much does University of Colorado Boulder cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Colorado Boulder?▾
How much do University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.