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University of Colorado Boulder

U of Colorado

Boulder, Colorado 80309-0017

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Large campusUrbanGreek life

Strong graduate outcomes — known for business

University of Colorado Boulder is a public institution in Boulder with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1353, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 31.6K undergraduates with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

75% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $69,738 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $21,480.

Established
1876
Motto
Λαμψάτω τὸ φῶς ὑμῶν
Mascot
Ralphie (bison)Chip (costume)
Type
Public research university

Campus Visits

44 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Jun 1 · Campus Tour

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83%Acceptance
1353SAT Avg
31,578Students
19:1Student:Faculty
75%Grad Rate
$69,738Earnings 10yr
$21,480Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate83.3%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1353

Reading & WritingMid: 640
620700
MathMid: 640
610720

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 28
2833

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$16,430
Tuition (out-of-state)$41,943
Room & Board$16,950
Books & Supplies$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance$33,466
Average Net Price$21,480
Median Debt at Graduation$19,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$207

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$11,251
$30–48K$12,545
$48–75K$17,204
$75–110K$26,247
$110K+$30,549

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

76.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$13,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

240

Peer Average

240

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

62

Burglary

12

Aggravated Assault

8

Robbery

21

Motor Vehicle Theft

25

Sex Offenses

2

Arson

63

Drug Arrests

47

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (239)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

89%

Positive

Student Body

Undergrads
31,578
Gender Split
47% / 53%
Women / Men
First Generation
20%
Pell Grant Recipients
15%

Race & Ethnicity

White 68%
Black 2%
Hispanic 13%
Asian 6%
Two+ 7%
Int'l 3%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate75.0%
Freshman Retention89.2%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$54,939
10 Years$69,738

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#97
vs 2024
Forbes
#93
vs 2024
Wall Street Journal
#29
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#109
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports

Cross country

History & Fun Facts

  • The cornerstone of the building that became Old Main was laid on September 20, 1875.
  • The doors of the university opened on September 5, 1877.
  • In the fall of 1877, the student body consisted of 15 students in the college proper and 50 students in the preparatory school.
  • CU hired its first female professor, Mary Rippon, in 1878.
  • It hired its first African-American professor, Charles H.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

113High

Estimated from CO state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 250Rainy days: 75

Nearest Cities

Denverpop. 710K
24 mi(42 min)
Salt Lake Citypop. 200K
352 mi(610 min)
Kansas Citypop. 500K
573 mi(993 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

DEN Denver33 mi
ABQ Albuquerque351 mi
SLC Salt Lake City357 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA1774 mi · ~51h 15m drive
New York, NY1638 mi · ~47h 19m drive
Hartford, CT1697 mi · ~49h 1m drive
Providence, RI1761 mi · ~50h 52m drive
Albany, NY1636 mi · ~47h 16m drive
Syracuse, NY1513 mi · ~43h 43m drive
Rochester, NY1439 mi · ~41h 34m drive
Buffalo, NY1375 mi · ~39h 43m drive
Philadelphia, PA1586 mi · ~45h 49m drive
Pittsburgh, PA1329 mi · ~38h 24m drive
Harrisburg, PA1493 mi · ~43h 8m drive
Newark, NJ1629 mi · ~47h 4m drive
Washington, DC1502 mi · ~43h 23m drive
Baltimore, MD1519 mi · ~43h 53m drive
Atlanta, GA1229 mi · ~35h 30m drive
Charlotte, NC1372 mi · ~39h 38m drive
Raleigh, NC1475 mi · ~42h 37m drive
Miami, FL1747 mi · ~50h 28m drive
Orlando, FL1570 mi · ~45h 21m drive
Tampa, FL1543 mi · ~44h 35m drive
Nashville, TN1038 mi · ~29h 59m drive
New Orleans, LA1103 mi · ~31h 52m drive
Richmond, VA1503 mi · ~43h 25m drive
Chicago, IL928 mi · ~26h 49m drive
Detroit, MI1164 mi · ~33h 38m drive
Minneapolis, MN700 mi · ~20h 13m drive
St. Louis, MO810 mi · ~23h 24m drive
Kansas City, MO573 mi · ~16h 33m drive
Indianapolis, IN1011 mi · ~29h 12m drive
Columbus, OH1176 mi · ~33h 58m drive
Cleveland, OH1234 mi · ~35h 39m drive
Milwaukee, WI921 mi · ~26h 36m drive
Dallas, TX686 mi · ~19h 49m drive
Houston, TX902 mi · ~26h 3m drive
Austin, TX795 mi · ~22h 58m drive
San Antonio, TX826 mi · ~23h 52m drive
Los Angeles, CA824 mi · ~23h 48m drive
San Francisco, CA934 mi · ~26h 59m drive
San Diego, CA830 mi · ~23h 59m drive
Seattle, WA996 mi · ~28h 46m drive
Portland, OR959 mi · ~27h 42m drive
Denver, CO24 mi · ~42 min drive
Phoenix, AZ589 mi · ~17h 1m drive
Salt Lake City, UT352 mi · ~10h 10m drive
Honolulu, HI3327 mi · ~96h 7m drive
Mid-Atlantic / Central (moderate winters, warm summers)

Deadline Calendar

University of Colorado Boulder Application Checklist

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