Academic Comparison between CU Boulder and Stanford University

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

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.

  • CU Boulder is a public and Stanford University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Stanford University has more expensive tuition & fees ($62,484) than CU Boulder ($41,943).
  • It is harder to admit to Stanford University than CU Boulder.
  • Stanford University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,330) than CU Boulder (1,330).
  • Stanford University has higher submitted ACT score (31) than CU Boulder (31).
  • CU Boulder has more students with 39,585 students while Stanford University has 18,283 students.
  • Stanford University has a lower number of students per faculty with 5 to 1 while CU Boulder's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Stanford University has more full-time faculties with 3,724 faculties while CU Boulder has 1,711 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
CU Boulder Stanford University
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Colorado Bouldervs.Stanford University
Boulder, ColoradoLocationStanford, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$15,556
Out-Of-State$41,943
2024 Tuition & Fees$62,484
56%% Receiving Financial Aid63%
$11,017Average Amount of Financial Aid$56,737
83.00 %Acceptance Rates4.00 %
16.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)81.01 %
1,330SAT Score1,550
31ACT Score35
74 %Graduation Rate95 %
15 %Transfer-out Rate-
88 %Retention Rate98 %
39,585Student Population18,283
1,711Number of Faculties3,724
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio5 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
More Rivals