University of Colorado Boulder campus
University of Colorado Boulder logo

University of Colorado Boulder

Type 4 year, Public
Campus locale City: Midsize
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Large
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 7,500
Student to faculty ratio 18 to 1
Acceptance rate 80%
Students retention rate 87%
On-time graduation rate 74%

Located in Boulder, Colorado, CU-Boulder is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate of 80% indicates that CU-Boulder is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

University of Colorado Boulder is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

The student-to-faculty ratio at CU-Boulder is 18-to-1, which is slightly higher than both the state and national averages. The state average student-to-faculty ratio in Colorado is 16-to-1, while the national average is 17-to-1. A lower student-to-faculty ratio generally allows for more personalized attention and interaction between students and faculty.

CU-Boulder boasts an impressive student retention rate of 87% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 69% and 72%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

79.6%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$12,496

Cost of attendance at University of Colorado Boulder in 2022 for students from Colorado.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Colorado's average $8,123
National average $8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$38,314

Cost of attendance at University of Colorado Boulder in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Colorado's average $20,262
National average $18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 53 of freshman students at University of Colorado Boulder received on average $9,214 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$9,214
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 883 14% $4,867 $4,297,364
Other Federal Grant 894 14% $4,935 $4,411,864
State Grant/Scholarships 682 11% $3,713 $2,531,936
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 3,251 52% $7,310 $23,765,765
Total Grant & Scholarships 3,333 53% $9,214 $30,709,565

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of University of Colorado Boulder students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of University of Colorado Boulder students is 74.0%. Female students graduated at a rate of 78.1%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 70.5%.

74.0%

  • asian 78.7% 266 students
  • African American 68.0% 70 students
  • white 75.6% 3,186 students
  • unknown 50.0% 8 students
  • hawaiian 40.0% 2 students
  • hispanic 68.4% 494 students
  • International Students 72.6% 299 students
  • Mixed Race 69.8% 233 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Pacific-12 Conference
  • Basketball Pacific-12 Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Pacific-12 Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

University of Colorado Boulder provides the following additional services to its students
  • On-campus day care for students' children
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

University of Colorado Boulder offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Navy
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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