About

About University of Colorado Boulder

public research universitystem focused programsaccessible admissionslarge campus community

University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university in Boulder, CO, known for its public research university, stem focused programs, and accessible admissions. With an acceptance rate of 81%, Boulder is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 7,106 students each year. Boulder is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1180–1390, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Boulder offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,380 per year; the sticker price of $58,213 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of Colorado Boulder acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

81%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
1285
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.50 – 4.00 unweighted

Build your free list to see where your GPA lands at University of Colorado Boulder →

SATSubmitted score range: 1180 – 1390 (test optional)

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

ACTScore range: 27 – 33

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Colorado Boulder

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
CU Boulder weighs essays as a meaningful part of its review, so use the personal statement to show a genuine connection to Colorado or the outdoors, sustainability, or research culture on campus. Admissions readers respond well to applicants who can articulate why Boulder specifically fits their academic and personal goals.
Application Strategy
CU Boulder uses a school and college based admissions process, meaning your application is reviewed by the specific college you apply to, such as Engineering, Leeds School of Business, or Arts and Sciences. Research the specific college requirements and tailor your activities and essay language to that program directly.

Get a tailored strategy for University of Colorado Boulder. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

Build My Free List →

Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Colorado Boulder actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$58k/yr$14.2k
30k-48k~$58k/yr$14.4k
48k-75k~$58k/yr$18.8k
75k-110k~$58k/yr$26.9k
110k+~$58k/yr$34.8k

Not sure what University of Colorado Boulder would cost your family? Build your free SpearMatch list. We show estimated net cost for every college on your list based on your income bracket.

Unlock real pricing for University of Colorado Boulder and matching colleges →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to University of Colorado Boulder's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

75%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$55k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
29,951
Undergrad Enrollment
University of Colorado Boulder Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch