CU Boulder vs. University of North Dakota

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder, CO with University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Colorado Boulder is larger than University of North Dakota based on total student enrollment (38,799 students vs. 15,019 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Colorado Boulder is located in Boulder, CO (Small City setting); University of North Dakota is in Grand Forks, ND (Small City setting).
• University of Colorado Boulder is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of North Dakota is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Colorado Boulder 19:1; University of North Dakota 17:1.

CU Boulder vs. University of North Dakota Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CU Boulder or University of North Dakota? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of North Dakota than CU Boulder ($18,076 vs. $26,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of North Dakota are 38.3% lower than at University of Colorado Boulder ($11,390 vs. $18,468).
• University of Colorado Boulder is 43.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of North Dakota (about $4,715 more per year; $15,666.00 vs. $10,951.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 188.5% higher at CU Boulder than at University of North Dakota (about $29,348 more per year; $44,918.00 vs. $15,570.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of North Dakota than at University of Colorado Boulder (86% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Colorado Boulder students is 68.5% larger than aid received by University of North Dakota students ($11,225 vs. $6,663).

CU Boulder vs. University of North Dakota Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CU Boulder or University of North Dakota? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of North Dakota and CU Boulder.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Colorado Boulder (1340) is 140 points higher than at University of North Dakota (1200).
• Incoming CU Boulder students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 23 at University of North Dakota).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Colorado Boulder 1240/1430; University of North Dakota 1110/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Colorado Boulder 29/33; University of North Dakota 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CU Boulder - Test optional; University of North Dakota - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CU Boulder Jan 15, 2027; University of North Dakota Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CU Boulder students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at University of North Dakota (3.5).
• CU Boulder has a higher acceptance rate (78.1%) than University of North Dakota (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at CU Boulder vs. 34.7% at University of North Dakota.

CU Boulder vs. University of North Dakota Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CU Boulder and University of North Dakota? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Colorado Boulder's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than University of North Dakota's (54%).
• Graduates from University of Colorado Boulder earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than University of North Dakota graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $54,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Colorado Boulder graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than University of North Dakota graduates ($19,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, CU Boulder graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of North Dakota graduates ($201 vs. $253).
• More University of North Dakota graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CU Boulder students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.