Academic Comparison between CU Boulder and Stanford

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 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 is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,340) than CU Boulder (1,340).
  • Stanford has higher submitted ACT score (31) 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

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$15,214
Out-Of-State$42,970
2025 Tuition & Fees$65,910
49%% Receiving Financial Aid66%
$12,072Average Amount of Financial Aid$58,449
78.08 %Acceptance Rates3.61 %
14.15 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)81.91 %
1,340SAT Score1,550
31ACT Score35
74 %Graduation Rate92 %
16 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
90 %Retention Rate98 %
38,799Student Population18,625
1,616Number of Faculties4,218
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 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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