CU Boulder Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 78.08%. Not very selective
- SAT Average: 1340. Above average SAT scores, indicating competitive applicants.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $15,214
- Out-of-State Tuition: $42,970
- Tuition rates are on the higher end, which may reflect the institution's resources or prestige.
Student Population at CU Boulder:
- Total Enrollment: 38,799, including 797 online students
- 32,244 Undergraduate, 6,555 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 53.2% men, 46.8% women.
- This is a very large institution, likely offering a vast array of programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 74%. High graduation rate, indicating strong student support and academic success.
- Transfer-Out Rate: 16%. Some students transfer out, which is common in higher education.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 90%. Excellent retention, indicating students are satisfied and supported.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 223 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 4 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 145 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Law School, Medical School, Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
CU Boulder Overview
University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is a four-year, public school located in Boulder, CO. It is classified as Research University with very high research activity by Carnegie Classification, also known as R1 University. You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at R1 University comparison page.
The CU Boulder's tuition & fees is $15,214 for Colorado residents and $42,970 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 49% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $12,072.
The school has a total enrollment of 38,799 and the students to faculty ratio is 19 to 1 (5.26%).
CU Boulder's acceptance rate is 78.08% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 14.15%. The median SAT score is 1340 and the ACT score is 31.
CU Boulder ranked 177th in National Universities and 7th in Colorado Colleges rankings. University of Colorado Boulder is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of University of Colorado Boulder is $15,214 for in-state students and $42,970 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $16,634 for in-state students and $38,802 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $14,880 for Colorado residents and $44,022 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $15,845 for Colorado residents and $39,600 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
| Undergraduate | $15,214 | $42,970 |
|---|
| Graduate | $16,634 | $38,802 |
| In-State | Out-of-State |
| Undergraduate | $14,880 | $44,022 |
|---|
| Graduate | $15,845 | $39,600 |
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
University of Colorado Boulder offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at CU Boulder
| Learning Opportunities |
| ROTC | Army, NAVY, Air Force |
| Weekend/Evening College | No |
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
| Study Abroad | Yes |
| On-Campus Services |
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
| Employment services for students | Yes |
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
University of Colorado Boulder Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing CU Boulder