University of Colorado Boulder Overview

University of Colorado Boulder is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Boulder, CO. It has an enrollment of 30,414 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 79.58%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $21,771. Tuition is $12,496.00 without financial aid.

University of Colorado Boulder is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At University of Colorado Boulder, 87.38% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

University of Colorado Boulder has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1.

University of Colorado Boulder Website

University of Colorado Boulder Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 79.58%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1292.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 28.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

University of Colorado Boulder Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $21,771. The in-state tuition is $12,496.00. Out-of-state tuition is $38,314.00

The average tuition is:

• $13,807, when family income is less than $30,000

• $15,194, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $18,334, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $25,611, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $29,352, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 24.72% of students received a federal student loan and 15.30% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $38,314.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

University of Colorado Boulder Net Price Calculator

University of Colorado Boulder Majors/Salaries

University of Colorado Boulder has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at University of Colorado Boulder here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
• Environmental Design. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,663
• Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,762
• Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,721
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $75,921
• Computer Science. (Master’s Degree) – $94,408
• Education, General. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $60,771
• Curriculum and Instruction. (Master’s Degree) – $45,584
• Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education. (Master’s Degree) – $48,667
• Engineering, General. (Master’s Degree) – $116,679
• Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,255
• Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $89,641
• Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. (Doctoral Degree) – $97,071
• Architectural Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,324
• Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,937
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,705
• Civil Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $68,499
• Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $75,204
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,957
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $93,342
• Engineering Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
• Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $54,254
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,580
• Mechanical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $75,706
• Mechanical Engineering. (Doctoral Degree) – $63,005
• Biochemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $64,196
• Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $18,771
• Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $28,236
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Master’s Degree) – $36,134
• Law. (First Professional Degree) – $63,234
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,372
• English Language and Literature, General. (Master’s Degree) – $31,848
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $18,771
• Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,956
• Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,870
• Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,902
• Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,573
• Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. (Doctoral Degree) – $48,823
• Neurobiology and Neurosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,423
• Neurobiology and Neurosciences. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $58,673
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,087
• Applied Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,516
• International/Global Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,772
• Astronomy and Astrophysics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Chemistry. (Doctoral Degree) – $66,915
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,565
• Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,193
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,162
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,615
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,190
• Geography and Cartography. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
• Political Science and Government. (Doctoral Degree) – $55,964
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,064
• Sociology. (Doctoral Degree) – $53,358
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,999
• Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,739
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,906
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Master’s Degree) – $32,925
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,579
• Music. (Master’s Degree) – $22,094
• Music. (Doctoral Degree) – $42,235
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $51,273
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Doctoral Degree) – $83,177
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $54,671
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $80,503
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $61,681
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,711

University of Colorado Boulder Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.11%
• Asian: 6.15%
• Black: 1.63%
• Hispanic: 13.29%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.10%
• Non-resident alien: 3.64%
• Two or more races: 6.37%
• Unknown: 0.75%
• White: 67.97%

At University of Colorado Boulder, 6.19% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

University of Colorado Boulder Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder is known for its strong school spirit. Students at CU Boulder are passionate about supporting their sports teams and participating in various campus events and traditions. The university’s athletic teams compete in the Pac-12 conference, and football games are particularly popular among students. There are also a variety of student-led clubs and organizations focused on promoting school spirit, such as the Mighty Buffs Marching Band and the Black and Gold Dance Team. Overall, CU Boulder has a vibrant and supportive campus culture that fosters school pride and community engagement.

What are some popular extracurriculars at University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for students to get involved with. Some popular extracurriculars at CU Boulder include: 1. Outdoor Recreation: CU Boulder is located near the beautiful Rocky Mountains, offering a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, skiing, climbing, and biking. 2. Greek Life: CU Boulder has a robust Greek Life community, with over 30 fraternities and sororities on campus. 3. Sports: CU Boulder has a competitive Division I athletic program, with teams in football, basketball, volleyball and more. 4. Music and Arts: The university offers a variety of opportunities for students interested in music, theatre, and other performing arts. There are more than 25 music ensembles, including the prestigious CU Symphony Orchestra, as well as theatre programs and art exhibitions on campus. 5. Volunteer and Service: Studnets can also get involved in volunteering and service projects through various clubs and organizations on campus.

How are the food choices at University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder has a variety of dining options available to students, including multiple dining halls, food courts, cafes, and grab-and-go options. The food choices available range from vegetarian and vegan options to international cuisine and classic American cuisine. The university also partners with local farmers to provide fresh and sustainable food options. Additionally, students with dietary restrictions or allergies can work with nutritionists and chefs to create meal plans that meet their specific needs.

Is there Greek life at University of Colorado Boulder?

Yes, the University of Colorado Boulder does have Greek life. There are 29 fraternity chapters and 12 sorority chapters on campus. Greek life at CU Boulder provides students with opportunities for leadership, community service, academic support, and social activities. The university also has a Greek Life Office that works with the various Greek organizations to promote positive values and help create a safe and inclusive campus community.

What is University of Colorado Boulder known for?

University of Colorado Boulder is known for its strong research programs in a variety of fields, including physics, aerospace engineering, environmental science, and ecology. The university is also known for its beautiful campus nestled near the Rocky Mountains, as well as its vibrant arts and cultural scene. Additionally, the university has a highly regarded business school, the Leeds School of Business, and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across many other academic disciplines.

What are the most popular school clubs at University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder offers a wide range of clubs and organizations for students to join. Some of the most popular clubs include the Outdoor Adventure Club, which plans outdoor trips and excursions for students, the CU Boulder Gaming Club, which brings together students who enjoy video games, and the CU Snowboard Team, which competes in snowboarding competitions. Other popular clubs include the CU Hiking Club, the CU Bike Station, and the CU Yoga Club. Additionally, there are numerous cultural and academic organizations such as the Black Student Alliance, the Muslim Student Association, and the Political Science Club.

Is the campus at University of Colorado Boulder safe?

The campus at University of Colorado Boulder has a relatively low crime rate and is considered to be a relatively safe campus. The university has its own police department, and they work in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. However, like any large university, there can be instances of crime such as theft and assault, so it is always important to remain aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe, such as using the campus escort services or traveling with a friend, especially at night.