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University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO·Public·31,578 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a major research university experience. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $59,700 within 10 years; strong 75% graduation rate.

83%
Accept
31,578
Students
$21,480
Net Price
75%
Grad Rate
$59,700
Earnings
10 yr
$13,000
Debt

About This School

University of Colorado Boulder is a public institution located in Boulder, Colorado with approximately 31,578 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Colorado Boulder has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 83%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,480 per year. The graduation rate is 75%, and the typical graduate earns $59,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university in Boulder, Colorado, United States. Founded in 1876, five months before Colorado became a state, it is the flagship university of the University of Colorado system. CU Boulder is a member of the Association of American Universities, is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and has been referred to as a Public Ivy.

A flagship Public Ivy with strong research credentials and surprisingly manageable debt — median borrowing is just $13,000 at graduation — this is a solid option for students who want a big university experience at a reasonable cost. The 75% graduation rate is worth watching, though, meaning roughly 1 in 4 students who start here don't finish, so self-motivated students with a clear plan will get far more out of it than those still figuring things out. If you thrive in a large, active campus environment and can stay on track academically, the value here is hard to argue with.

Founded
1876
Setting
Midsize city
Conference
Pac-12 Conference

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing17%
Engineering12%
Biological Sciences12%
Communications11%
Social Sciences10%
Psychology8%
Computer Science7%
Visual & Performing Arts3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Ellen Johnson SirleafSteve WozniakRobert RedfordKalpana ChawlaGlenn MillerTsakhiagiin ElbegdorjSidney AltmanJonah HillTrey ParkerMatt StoneAlan KayScott Carpenter

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1353
Reading 75th %ile700
Math 75th %ile720

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite28

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$16,430
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,943
Avg Net Price
$21,480
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants15%
Median debt at graduation$13,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
75%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
89%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$59,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$42,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$59,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.6x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White68%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino13%
Asian6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (31,578 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Colorado Boulder

Regent Drive at Broadway

Boulder, CO 80309-0017

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Colorado

Browse all Colorado schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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