University of Virginia-Main Campus (UVA) vs CU-Boulder

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Boulder, Colorado, home to the esteemed University of Virginia-Main Campus and University of Colorado Boulder, respectively. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences. UVA boasts a lower acceptance rate, attracting a diverse student body with a strong focus on liberal arts and sciences. CU Boulder, on the other hand, offers a broader range of undergraduate programs, including engineering, business, and environmental studies, appealing to a more varied student population. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, such as graduation rates, financial aid opportunities, and campus culture, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Colorado Boulder	University of Virginia-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Boulder, Colorado	Charlottesville, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	87.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	79.6%	20.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $85
SAT range	1170 - 1390	1380 - 1500
ACT range	25 - 31	32 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	32.0%	52.0%
Students submitting ACT score	16.0%	21.0%
Total number of applicants	54,756	47,971
Total number of admissions given out	43,576	9,951
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,785	3,889
Yield rate	15.6%	39.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $29,725 Out of state: $55,543	In state: $36,314 Out of state: $70,696
Average net price	$22,532	$20,401
Tuition	In state: $10,728 Out of state: $36,546	In state: $16,010 Out of state: $49,710
Room & board	$15,220	Room/dormitory: $7,110 Meal plan: $5,550
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	53.0% Average amount $9,214	46.0% Average amount $19,612
Students receiving federal student loan	27.0% Average amount $4,986	25.0% Average amount $4,845
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $24,094	6.0% Average amount $11,030

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	30,886 Men 54.8% Women 45.2%	17,294 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Graduate students	8,114 Men 57.8% Women 42.2%	8,711 Men 46.9% Women 53.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	48.8%	35.2%
International students	7.1%	8.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	7,500	7,645
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Colorado California Texas Illinois New York	Virginia New York Maryland Pennsylvania New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Communication and Journalism Visual & Performing Arts Legal Profession	Business Health Professions Engineering Social Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	74.0%	93.7%
Dropout rate	8.6%	2.3%
Transferred out	15.9%	3.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,752 Year 2: $116,679 Year 3: $121,033 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $118,373 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,907 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $108,458 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,254 Year 2: $89,641 Year 3: $97,860 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,200 Year 2: $75,706 Year 3: $92,272 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,191 Year 2: $80,503 Year 3: $87,258 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,023 Year 2: $75,204 Year 3: $86,676 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,804 Year 2: $75,921 Year 3: $85,563 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $75,633 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $85,039 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,440 Year 2: $71,957 Year 3: $83,132	Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $185,710 Year 2: $162,255 Year 3: $193,013 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $157,071 Year 2: $155,263 Year 3: $176,237 Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,350 Year 2: $101,406 Year 3: $125,729 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $103,426 Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $120,362 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,239 Year 2: $95,739 Year 3: $109,956 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,639 Year 2: $92,077 Year 3: $108,272 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,682 Year 2: $90,146 Year 3: $101,904 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,602 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $95,939 Systems Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,487 Year 2: $82,808 Year 3: $94,931 Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,807 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $84,597

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between the University of Virginia (UVA) and the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder)?

UVA is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, a historic city with a strong connection to American history and a more traditional, collegiate atmosphere. The campus is known for its Jeffersonian architecture and a close-knit community feel. CU Boulder, on the other hand, is situated in Boulder, Colorado, a city known for its outdoor lifestyle, progressive culture, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains. CU Boulder offers a more relaxed and outdoorsy campus environment.
How do the academic programs at UVA and CU Boulder compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. UVA is particularly strong in its humanities, law, and business programs. It emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation. CU Boulder excels in STEM fields, particularly aerospace engineering, environmental science, and physics. It also has notable programs in arts and media. The specific strengths of each university should be considered based on your intended major.
What is the cost of attendance like at UVA versus CU Boulder?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates, especially for in-state students. However, out-of-state tuition at both institutions can be significant. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both universities to help offset the cost. It's recommended to check the specific tuition and fee schedules on each university's website for the most up-to-date information.
What are the student life and extracurricular opportunities like at UVA and CU Boulder?

Both universities offer a vibrant student life. UVA has a strong emphasis on traditions, student self-governance, and a robust Greek life. It has numerous student organizations and a lively social scene. CU Boulder is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including skiing, hiking, and rock climbing. It also has a diverse range of student clubs and organizations, with a focus on sustainability and outdoor activities. The social scene is generally more casual at CU Boulder.
How does the admissions process differ between UVA and CU Boulder?

Both universities are highly selective. UVA generally considers a student's academic record, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. CU Boulder also considers these factors, but may place a slightly greater emphasis on standardized test scores (though test-optional policies are in place at both). The specific requirements and deadlines can vary, so it's crucial to review the admissions websites of both universities for the most accurate and current information.
What are the career services and post-graduation outcomes like at UVA and CU Boulder?

Both universities provide comprehensive career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. UVA graduates often find employment in fields such as law, business, and government, with strong connections to the East Coast job market. CU Boulder graduates are successful in STEM fields, as well as in the tech and outdoor industries, with a strong presence in the Western United States. The specific career outcomes will depend on the student's major and career goals.
How would you describe the overall culture and atmosphere of UVA and CU Boulder?

UVA has a more traditional, academically focused, and historically rich culture. It emphasizes honor, self-governance, and a strong sense of community. CU Boulder has a more relaxed, outdoorsy, and progressive culture. It embraces a more informal atmosphere and a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and social consciousness. The best fit depends on your personal preferences and values.
Which university is better for someone interested in outdoor activities?

CU Boulder is the clear choice for students passionate about outdoor activities. Its location in Boulder, Colorado, provides unparalleled access to the Rocky Mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and other outdoor pursuits. While UVA offers some outdoor activities, it does not have the same level of access to the outdoors as CU Boulder.
Which university is better for someone interested in a strong sense of tradition and history?

UVA is the better choice for students interested in tradition and history. The university's founding by Thomas Jefferson, its historic architecture, and its emphasis on honor and self-governance create a strong sense of tradition and a connection to American history that is unique to UVA.
How do the research opportunities compare at UVA and CU Boulder?

Both universities are research-intensive institutions. UVA has strong research programs across various disciplines, including medicine, law, and the humanities. CU Boulder is particularly renowned for its research in STEM fields, especially in aerospace engineering, environmental science, and physics. Both universities offer ample opportunities for undergraduate research, but the specific research areas will vary depending on your field of study.

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