Public Institution

University of Colorado Boulder — Boulder, Colorado

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Annual Tuition $16,430

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 83.3%

Open Admission

Enrollment 31,578

Active Students

Avg. Salary $69,738

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Boulder, Colorado

Institution type Public

Accreditation Higher Learning Commission

Founded 1/1/1968

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of Colorado Boulder stands as a pillar of higher education in Boulder, providing a robust academic foundation for 31,578 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does University of Colorado Boulder offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at University of Colorado Boulder. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

17.2%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

12.4%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

11.8%

Enrollment Share

Communications

10.5%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

10%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

7.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at University of Colorado Boulder provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at University of Colorado Boulder provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at University of Colorado Boulder provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at University of Colorado Boulder?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 83.3%

Difficulty Low

University of Colorado Boulder maintains an acceptance rate of 83.3%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 53.3%

Women Enrollment 46.7%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 620 - 700

SAT Mathematics 610 - 720

ACT English 27 - 34

ACT Mathematics 25 - 31

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does University of Colorado Boulder cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $16,430

Out-of-State Tuition $41,943

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 14.8%

Median Student Debt $19,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $16,430, graduates see a median starting salary of $69,738, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Colorado.

What salary can University of Colorado Boulder graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $69,738

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 75%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $21,480

Median Salary (6yr) $54,939

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder?

31,578 Students

Gender Comparison

53.3% Men

46.7% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

89.2%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

6.2%

Black

1.8%

White

67.8%

Unknown

Hispanic

13.5%

Two or More Races

6.7%

International

2.7%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 20

🎓

First-Generation 20.4%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 42.9%

🎖️

Veterans 0.3%

💍

Married Students 2.1%

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Retention (Part-time) 73.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$81,327
Average Family Income	$98,821
Median Family Income	$70,221

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

59.7%

40.3%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Boulder Campus Environment

Located at Regent Drive at Broadway, University of Colorado Boulder offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Colorado. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

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How does University of Colorado Boulder compare?

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Common Questions about University of Colorado Boulder

Is University of Colorado Boulder a good college in Boulder, Colorado?

University of Colorado Boulder is a recognized institution in Boulder with an enrollment of 31,578 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Colorado.

Is University of Colorado Boulder worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $69,738 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does University of Colorado Boulder cost for Colorado residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at University of Colorado Boulder is approximately $16,430. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $41,943. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of Colorado Boulder after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending University of Colorado Boulder for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 42.9% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of Colorado Boulder good for Business & Marketing and Engineering programs?

University of Colorado Boulder reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Engineering. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending University of Colorado Boulder?

Graduates of University of Colorado Boulder often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $69,738, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of Colorado Boulder?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on University of Colorado Boulder's official admissions website.

Does University of Colorado Boulder require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on University of Colorado Boulder's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can University of Colorado Boulder graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of University of Colorado Boulder earn a median salary of $69,738 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of Colorado Boulder a good investment compared to other CO colleges?

Compare University of Colorado Boulder's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Colorado to judge value for your goals.

Where is University of Colorado Boulder located and what is the campus like?

University of Colorado Boulder is located at Regent Drive at Broadway in Boulder, CO. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 31,578 learners.

Who typically attends University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder, CO?

The student body at University of Colorado Boulder is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 20.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Colorado

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of Colorado Boulder with other leading institutions in Colorado across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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