University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

publicDoctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity (R1)

Safety

C

ROI

B+

University of Colorado Boulder is a very large public R1 doctoral research university located in Boulder, Colorado, with an undergraduate enrollment of 31,939. As a Carnegie R1 doctoral research institution, it supports graduate and professional programs across a broad range of academic disciplines alongside its undergraduate curriculum, with faculty engaged in funded research programs. As a public institution primarily funded through state appropriations and federal grants, it operates within the broader Colorado postsecondary education landscape and is regionally accredited, making its credits and degrees eligible for federal financial aid. With a 78% acceptance rate, admission is open to most applicants. The 78% acceptance rate reflects a broadly open admissions approach serving a wide range of students. Net price for families earning \$48,001–$75,000 averages $18,828 per year. The highest program-level earnings outcomes are in CIP 00 — 10-year median earnings among aid recipients in these fields reach $146,964. The 4-year graduation rate is 75%, 30 percentage points above the national average of 45%. Among students who received federal financial aid, 10-year median earnings are $69,738. FIRE rates the campus commitment to free expression at 74/100, indicating strong speech protections.

Acceptance Rate

78.1%

Avg Net Price

$25,346

6-yr Grad Rate

73.9%

Earnings 10yr

$69,738

The Numbers

Admissions

Acceptance Rate
78.1%
SAT Range
1240–1430
ACT Range
29–33
Enrollment
31,939
Student:Faculty
19:1

Costs & Outcomes

In-State Tuition
$15,666
Out-of-State Tuition
$44,918
Room & Board
$18,468
Students Receiving Aid
14.5%
Median Debt at Grad

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Data from U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS, College Scorecard, Clery Act), Bureau of Labor Statistics, and FIRE. Updated annually. Not affiliated with University of Colorado Boulder.