University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder has an acceptance rate of 78.1%, average net price of $25,346, and a national rank of #458 (Grade B+), with a 74.2% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $54,939 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Colorado Boulder is a public university in Boulder, CO. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Chemical Engineering.
Day to day, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 48.7%, roughly 1.2 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Colorado Boulder Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Colorado Boulder graduates 74.2% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Colorado Boulder's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $37,684 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of University of Colorado Boulder students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,231 to $34,818 depending on family income. Use University of Colorado Boulder's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,915/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $34,818/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $54,939
- 10-Year Median Earnings $54,939
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 73.7%
- Employment Rate 86.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Colorado Boulder graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Colorado Boulder vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Colorado Boulder's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Colorado Boulder's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn $54,939 median, the 48.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 630-710
- SAT Math 610-720
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 29-33
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 74.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into University of Colorado Boulder
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Colorado Boulder requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 78.1%, University of Colorado Boulder is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 78.1% acceptance rate, University of Colorado Boulder is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1240 and 1430 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Colorado Boulder undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Computer Science draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.8%
- Psychology, General 6.6%
- Computer Science 6.1%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 5.0%
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences 4.8%
- Economics 4.2%
See more majors
- Mechanical Engineering 4.0%
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space E 3.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $122,521
- 2. Chemical Engineering $115,257
- 3. Engineering Physics $111,748
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $107,891
- 5. Computer Engineering $107,650
- 6. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $103,431
- 7. Biochemical Engineering $99,194
- 8. Computer Science $97,334
- 9. Applied Mathematics $94,459
- 10. Mechanical Engineering $91,715
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Engineering, General (Master's Degree) $154,338
- 2. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $140,315
- 3. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $136,752
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Doctoral Degree) $135,638
- 5. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degree) $128,911
- 6. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $116,303
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $114,292
- 8. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $102,640
- 9. Law (First Professional Degree) $100,964
- 10. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Doctoral Degree) $98,889
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $122,521—34% more than Mechanical Engineering ($91,715). Graduate: Engineering, General programs lead with $154,338 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Colorado Boulder. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 1,080 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 485 graduates)
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degree, 368 graduates)
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 348 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 307 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (63 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Economics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Sociology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Communication and Media Studies
- International/Global Studies
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Environmental Design
- Mathematics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- History
- Anthropology
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Engineering Technology, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Physics
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Biochemical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Civil Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Journalism
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Philosophy
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Chemistry
- Architectural Engineering
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Engineering Physics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Information Science/Studies
- Area Studies
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Dance
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Statistics
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Computer Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (63 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Civil Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Music
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Physics
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Psychology, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Applied Mathematics
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Taxation
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Real Estate
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Economics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Materials Engineering
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Journalism
- Communication and Media Studies
- Architectural Engineering
- Dance
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- History
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Area Studies
- Information Science/Studies
- Philosophy
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Engineering Technology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Online Doctoral Degrees (53 programs)▼
- Physics
- Music
- Chemistry
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Civil Engineering
- Psychology, General
- Geography and Cartography
- Communication and Media Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Applied Mathematics
- Sociology
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Architectural Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Materials Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Economics
- Cognitive Science
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Information Science/Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Engineering Technology, General
- Education, General
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Law
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 67.3%
- Asian 6.4%
- Hispanic 13.6%
- Black 1.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Colorado Boulder's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Colorado Boulder's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Colorado Boulder support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Colorado Boulder, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 14.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Colorado Boulder support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Colorado Boulder, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Colorado Boulder serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #458 nationally with a 48.7% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $25,346 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $54,939 median earnings. The 74.2% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 90.1% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Colorado Boulder's Strengths
Ranked #458 with a B+ grade, University of Colorado Boulder prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Colorado Boulder excel at providing affordable education ($25,346 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of Colorado Boulder's 90.1% retention and 74.2% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($54,939 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Colorado Boulder's 48.7% ROI and $25,346 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 74.2% six-year graduation rate sits 11.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 90.1% first-year retention is 13.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 48.7% return on investment is 1.2 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $54,939 run about 26% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $25,346 is roughly $7,920 higher than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 90.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.0% employment rate within three years sits 17.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $25,346 is about $7,920 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Boulder, CO, University of Colorado Boulder operates as a public university and receives a B+ from EDsmart. It holds a #458 national ranking Category results include Completion (A-), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (C).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Expect about 74.2% of students to graduate within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 48.7%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $25,346 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $37,684.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,338 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $54,939 six years after enrollment. That sits about 26% above the national median.
Roughly 86.0% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about 48.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
78.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Colorado Boulder admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Colorado Boulder's acceptance rate?
University of Colorado Boulder's acceptance rate is 78.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Colorado Boulder cost?
At University of Colorado Boulder, the average net price after aid is $25,346. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Colorado Boulder's ranking?
University of Colorado Boulder ranks #458 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Colorado Boulder's graduation rate?
At University of Colorado Boulder, the six-year graduation rate is 74.2%.
What are University of Colorado Boulder's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Colorado Boulder report median earnings of $54,939 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address Boulder, CO 80309-0017
- Website www.colorado.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Transfer Enrollment Rate0.0%