Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Boulder, Colorado |
| Online | colorado.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
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
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
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.
#191 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#46 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#4 in Best Colleges in Colorado
#2 in Best Public Colleges in Colorado
#412 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Value Colleges in Colorado
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1160/1390 |
| ACT | 26/32 |
| GPA | 3.68 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Colorado Resident Tuition
| 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
| 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 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 16% |
| Business | 12% |
| Biology | 10% |
| Psychology | 10% |
| Communication | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering CU Boulder are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
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.