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 Reviews

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

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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.

University of Colorado Boulder REVIEWS

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

140 Students rated University of Colorado Boulder

Gabriela - 11/19/2024

Coming to the University of Colorado Boulder was the best decision I could have made. I am deeply enjoying my classes and major and have no complaints towards the academic aspects. There is also a variety of outdoor opportunities to be outside and remain physically healthy. Additionally it is a very friendly campus with the ability to meet new people at all times. Boulder is a very nice college town with many things to do outside of the school as well. Additionally there are also many opportunities to get involved within the school and show spirit.

Caliana - 11/03/2024

I think the campus is absolutely beautiful, we went there for a campus visit and you could tell the grounds were very well kept. I also appreciated how polite and respectful everyone was when visiting. You could tell the campus culture is very supportive and exciting, people love going there from what we heard.

Brianne - 08/01/2024

CU was a great place to go to school for undergrad. Boulder is stunning, the campus is beautiful and large so everyone can find their niche. I was against going there at first since it was an in-state school, but I'm glad I went! The sports games were a blast to attend, the gym is insanely nice, Boulder is decently walkable with tons to do. You get what you put into undergrad and Boulder (Leeds School of Business more specifically) set me up for success. I'm now on my way to Harvard for my masters! Thank you CU! Sko Buffs!

Kathryn - 07/11/2024

The classes are intriguing and the professors seem to really care that students learn and understand the topic. Professors and TAs are easy to reach and very willing to help. Most of the professors I have had have been very interested in what they teach. As for campus life, it is not great. Many students party and are not terribly interested in academics. In large lecture halls, it is not rare to see students doing other things on their computers, such as online shopping. Group projects are generally left to one person as everyone else doesn't care enough to contribute. As a quiet person who is very focused on my studies, this is not the kind of environment where I've made many friends. I feel quite disconnected from everyone despite being a part of a club. I would say academics are good, but student life could be much better. Hopefully my experience will improve as I continue taking classes here.

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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