Academic Comparison between Stanford and CU Boulder

Stanford University and University of Colorado Boulder are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Stanford is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Stanford, CA and CU Boulder is a four-year, public school located in Boulder, CO.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Stanford is a private (not-for-profit) and CU Boulder is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Stanford has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,910) than CU Boulder ($42,970).
  • It is harder to admit to Stanford than CU Boulder.
  • Stanford has a higher submitted SAT score (1,550) than CU Boulder (1,340).
  • Stanford has higher submitted ACT score (35) than CU Boulder (31).
  • CU Boulder has more students with 38,799 students while Stanford has 18,625 students.
  • Stanford has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while CU Boulder's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Stanford has more full-time faculties with 4,218 faculties while CU Boulder has 1,616 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Stanford Universityvs.University of Colorado Boulder
Stanford, CaliforniaLocationBoulder, Colorado
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$65,9102025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,214
Out-Of-State$42,970
66%% Receiving Financial Aid49%
$58,449Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,072
3.61 %Acceptance Rates78.08 %
81.91 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.15 %
1,550SAT Score1,340
35ACT Score31
92 %Graduation Rate74 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate16 %
98 %Retention Rate90 %
18,625Student Population38,799
4,218Number of Faculties1,616
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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