About University of Colorado Boulder

Founded in 1876, University of Colorado Boulder. is a Public college. Located in Colorado, which is a city setting in Colorado, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 27,901 full time undergraduate students, and 6,076 full time graduate students.

The University of Colorado Boulder Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 1508 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of Colorado Boulder include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate76%
Application Deadline
Application Fee50
SAT Range1070-1310
ACT Range25-30

Admissions at CU-Boulder are considered Less Selective, with ,168% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 19 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

89% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 54% were in the top quarter, and 24% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Colorado Boulder.

University of Colorado Boulder REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    297 Students rated on-campus housing 3.4 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    292 Students rated off-campus housing 2.9 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    334 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    345 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    346 Students rated class size 3.6 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    343 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    344 Students rated local services 4.4 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    347 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of University of Colorado Boulder?

147 Students rated University of Colorado Boulder

Eli - 12/31/2023

There is definitely something for everyone at Boulder, but the experience is entirely contingent on the individual to go out and find their place. I've gained several new interests since enrolling, both inside and outside the classroom. The school is great (in certain fields) and the scenery is gorgeous, but with how expensive tuition and housing is, people should not come here on a whim. Academically, if you're really interested in physics, aerospace engineering, or space, Boulder is top tier. I will say that I've been less than thrilled with my political science studies at CU. I've found the students and faculty in this department to be less impressive and interesting than I had hoped for. On the flip side, I've met several professors in the astrophysics, psychology, and geography departments who really knew their material and enjoyed conveying it. Overall, I've enjoyed my time at Boulder, but I don't think the political science degree I'm about to get has been worth the out-of-state tuition I've been paying. I recognize there's more to school than academics, but putting those factors in monetary terms is exponentially more difficult.

Michel - 06/22/2023

I am very excited to continue my education at CU Boulder. I feel like it's an amazing school with lots to offer. I can hopefully partake in plenty of activities and make the most out of my CU Boulder life. And more importantly, CU Boulder will help me prepare for my ultimate aspirations in life: getting into med school and becoming a surgeon.

Alexandria - 03/07/2023

I can’t wait to leave this place. The only things the students here care about is they’re next party. They are rude and condescending if you’re not into the party scene. I’ve had some very poor TA’s that will literally make the students break down and cry. I have to pay extra to get to my online homework. So I’m making decisions about being able to pay for my supper or have access to my homework while the football team rides the electric scooters the college bought them up and down the hallways. I’m done!

Denali - 12/24/2022

The University of Colorado, Boulder, is an excellent STEM-focused school with a heavy emphasis on engineering. The applied mathematics and physics programs are excellent. The most significant issue that I have with CU Boulder is the level of sexual assault that is reported on campus.

University of Colorado Boulder FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at University of Colorado Boulder?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Colorado Boulder is 76%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I would tell my high school self two large pieces of advice. The first would be to stop being a procrastinator. In college, assignments come at you left and right and the due dates sneak up on you so fast. No longer do you get three weeks to write a four page essay, you might get three days. No longer do you have one big assignment a month, you have four big assignments a week. The second piece of advice I would give myself would be to really hone in on time management skills. Even though, four or five classes seem like nothing to a highschooler, they are a lot of work in college. I would want to make sure my highschool self understood classes do not mean go to class and maybe have some homework; they mean going to lecture, taking notes, reading, taking more notes, studying, and taking even more notes. If I had that advice as a high schooler I do not think the transition to college would have been such a shock.

    Read all  306 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Students here are laid-back, smart and easy to get along with, though some can be lazy and unmotivated to do a little more work when it comes to classes.

    Read all  142 answers
  4. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The best thing is the Flatirons and the hiking. I would change how it costs everywhere to park, rent is SO expensive, and the wind sucks. I really only spend time on campus for class or the Herd, or the gym otherwise I am elsewhere.

    Read all  109 answers
  5. What are the academics like at your school?

    Most professors don't know my name and most classes are pretty big. If you go here, you have to take recitations which are ridiculous. Most colleges don't do that. Boulder students don't have intellectual conversations outside of class because they are too busy partying. Students aren't really competitive either because they don't care. Boulder doesn't really help you when you are struggling; it seems as if they want you to fail. Boulder isn't geared towards jobs or learning; it's geared towards them making as much money as they possibly can.

    Read all  95 answers
  6. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    The Boulder Freeride is a ski/snowboard club on campus, probably the largest club. Quarterly meetings, giveaways, rail jams, ski trips etc. throughout the year. I', involved with the Annex, a Christian student group., where I've met many of my good friends. We go on ski trips, retreats, hikes and there is weekly worship on Tuesday nights. Athletic events are very popular and there is a lot of school pride. Foot ball and Basketball are the biggest. It is easy to party midweek here, a few of the non-engineers in my dorm come in very late 4 or 5 days a week. But again, there's usually something else to do whether that's going to a movie, live performance, skiing, climbing gym . . .

    Read all  77 answers
  7. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    What is unique about CU is the city it is tucked away in, Boulder. The city of Boulder is incredibly passionate about health and wellness and offers multiple opportunities for students to be physically active within the community at no cost. Boulder also offers nationally ranked restaurants that cater to the appetites of its residents, such as vegans or competitive eaters. Lastly, Boulder is dedicated to the well being of animals and any students interested in studying them would find incredible resources to do so. By attending CU students get the opprotunity to take advantage of this incredibly unique city.

    Read all  75 answers
  8. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Most people think that Boulder houses only hippies and radicals. Another stereotype is that there is an overwhelming amount of marijuana smokers.

    Read all  72 answers
  9. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    the stereotype is largely accurate, but that doesn't mean we don't get work done here either, especially engineers.

    Read all  71 answers
  10. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    There was a very wide range of student quality and preparedness and classes were often not as challenging as I would have liked.

    Read all  68 answers
  11. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    The school is AMAZING! The buildings, campus and facilities are well taken care of. The campus has many places to recycle at helping the environment. THe campus is a great place to hang out, get work done and just walk around. The beautiful scenery makes it possible for you to de-stress whenever you need to, but the many libraries and study rooms here also help keep you on track and provide great study locations all over campus. The faculty here are always willing to help when your having trouble with anything as well. This campus is amazing.

    Read all  66 answers
  12. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    How to better make friends because everyone here is very nice, but I missed out on some opportunities. By the way, even though alcohol is a big part of this school, it's still fairly easy to not drink and still be accepted. I also wish I had known what I wanted my major to be ahead of time and just declared it; it's easier that way.

    Read all  52 answers
  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating part about my school is the size of classes at the lower division undergradte level. Some classrooms are stuffed with 250 students, which makes it difficult to ask questions and get help when needed.

    Read all  50 answers
  14. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    How well ranked we are internationally. Our programs are internationally recognized, more so than some more so-called prestigious schools.

    Read all  48 answers
  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    While there is a large party Scene at CU the course work is tough and engaging. Students learn amazing things and engage in incredible research opportunities. There are in all departments and any field you might be interested in, and if all the opportunities somehow will up you can do your own independent study with the guidance of amazing faculty. After all the hard work we do at CU, it's time for a little party.

    Read all  48 answers
  16. What's unique about your campus?

    Nice campus in the foothills of the rockies.

    Read all  48 answers
  17. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    A person considering attending this university should be academically focused, should like the outdoors, be outgoing and friendly, and accepting of people from all backgrounds.

    Read all  46 answers
  18. What kind of person should attend this school?

    There is not one kind of person who attends CU Boulder because it is such a large, diverse school. However, it does have a bit of a reputation of being a tree-hugging, marijuana smoking school. The tree-hugging part is mostly true. But that does not mean every student here is a hippie or an activist. CU just provides avenues for all students to help the enviroment. As for the smoking part, there are students who do drugs but this is not the majority. Those students are just very public with their drug-use.

    Read all  46 answers
  19. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Boulder is a pretty well known school. Most people associate it with partying, sking, and smoking pot, but there is so much more to Boulder than the party scene. The campus and the view that surrounds it is amazing!

    Read all  45 answers
  20. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    I decided to go to this school because of the beautiful campus. I love the atmosphere. I also decided to go here because of the location. It's not too far and not too close to home. It's only an hour drive for me if I ever needed to go home. Plus my best friend was going to this school so it was nice to know someone before I came here.

    Read all  15 answers
  21. Describe the dorms.

    The dorms vary from building to building. There are newer dorms, like Hallett, and much older dorms, like Farrand. I spent my freshman year in Libby, which was a good experience, but the dorm itself was not in the best shape. I lived in a room with one other person, who I had not met, but we got a long great. In Libby, there is a common area upstairs, but its rather inconvenient to spend time in. Also, there is an area downstairs with a very old piano and a few tables, which was a nice place to get some quiet studying done. Overall, the dorm experience is what you make it, and if you are friendly to the people on your floor, they will most likely be friendly to you. I was more solitary and did not mingle with others on my floor as much as some, because I entered CU with a few very good friends from high school.

    Read all  11 answers

Student Body

Students

44%

female

56%

male

27,901

Total Undergrad Enrollment

6,076

Total Grad Students

40%

Out-Of-State

53%

In-State

7%

International

Organizations

600

Student Organizations

20

Fraternities

15

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

23%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
5%
% Black or African-American
2%
% Hispanic/Latino
11%
% White or Caucasian
69%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

64% of students attending University of Colorado Boulder receive some sort of financial aid. 16% were awarded federal grants. While 34% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$35,079

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,800

Books and Supplies

$13,590

Room and Board

50,469

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$15,109
$30 - $48K
$17,104
$48 - $75K
$21,439
$75 - $110K
$27,315
$110K & UP
$29,203

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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