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#2 Best Public Universities in Colorado

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, Colorado

 6 Reviews

Overview

Enrollment

39,585
University of Colorado Boulder overview
Location Boulder, Colorado
Online colorado.edu
School Type Public 4 Year
Setting Small City
University of Colorado Boulder overview
Size Large
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
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The University of Colorado Boulder, a public research institution founded in 1876, is nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado, and is roughly 30 minutes away from Denver. Characterized by the distinctive Tuscan Vernacular Revival architecture, the campus spans 600 acres and offers a dynamic setting that blends natural beauty with intellectual vigor. With comprehensive housing options, including residential academic programs, CU Boulder fosters an environment where academic enrichment and student life are interconnected. Known for its strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, the university is also reputable for its environmental law, aerospace engineering, and psychology programs. While the institution maintains a competitive admissions process, it sustains a diverse and ample student body. CU Boulder's athletic teams, named the Buffaloes, compete in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference, and the university is particularly recognized for its success in skiing and cross-country.

In the most recent statistical year 53,781 prospective students applied, and 43,416 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 7,106 enrolled in the school.  31,637 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 7,948 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $11,520 plus fees of $1,586. CU Boulder is ranked 191 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.

Ratings

8/10

Overall

8/10

Academics

7/10

Resources

8/10

Outcomes

6/10

Value

CU Boulder is rated within the top 30% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for University of Colorado Boulder within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.

Getting In

Admission Standards

Very High
University of Colorado Boulder overview
SAT 1160/1390
ACT 26/32
GPA 3.68

Applications Accepted

80.7% 
University of Colorado Boulder overview
Applications Due Jan 15, 2025
Applicant Competition Very Low
Application Fee $65

Explore admissions requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

Colorado Resident Tuition

$11,520
In State Costs for University of Colorado Boulder
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,200
Other Fees$1,586
Room and Board $16,146
Budget for Other Expenses$3,014
Total One Year Cost$33,466

Out of State Resident Tuition

$38,770
Out of State Costs for University of Colorado Boulder
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,200
Other Fees$1,586
Room and Board $16,146
Budget for Other Expenses$3,014
Total One Year Cost$60,716

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$56,900 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

68% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by University of Colorado Boulder students
Subject Percent of Class
Social Sciences 16%
Business 12%
Biology 10%
Psychology 10%
Communication 8%

View All 60 Majors

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Questions and Answers

CollegeSimply Advisor posts about University of Colorado Boulder.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=126614 IPEDS survey data for University of Colorado Boulder.

Current students may use the University of Colorado Boulder GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.

Last updated February 24, 2024