Academic Comparison between CU Boulder and Washington State

University of Colorado Boulder and Washington State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. CU Boulder is located in Boulder, CO and Washington State is located in Pullman, WA.

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • CU Boulder has more expensive tuition & fees ($42,970) than Washington State ($29,950).
  • It is harder to admit to CU Boulder than Washington State.
  • CU Boulder has more students with 38,799 students while Washington State has 25,685 students.
  • Washington State has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while CU Boulder's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • CU Boulder has more full-time faculties with 1,616 faculties while Washington State has 1,410 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Colorado Bouldervs.Washington State University
Boulder, ColoradoLocationPullman, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
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
In-State$13,391
Out-Of-State$29,950
49%% Receiving Financial Aid68%
$12,072Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,107
78.08 %Acceptance Rates86.64 %
14.15 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.72 %
1,340SAT Score-
31ACT Score-
74 %Graduation Rate60 %
16 %Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate78 %
38,799Student Population25,685
1,616Number of Faculties1,410
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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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