Founded in 1876, University of Colorado Boulder. is a Public college. Located in Colorado, which is a city setting in Colorado, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 27,901 full time undergraduate students, and 6,076 full time graduate students.
The University of Colorado Boulder Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 1508 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of Colorado Boulder include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
76%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
50
SAT Range
1070-1310
ACT Range
25-30
Admissions at CU-Boulder are considered Less Selective, with ,168% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 19 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
89% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 54% were in the top quarter, and 24% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Colorado Boulder.
297 Students rated on-campus housing 3.4 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
292 Students rated off-campus housing 2.9 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
334 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
345 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
346 Students rated class size 3.6 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
343 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
344 Students rated local services 4.4 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
347 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.
University of Colorado Boulder REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of University of Colorado Boulder?
142 Students rated University of Colorado Boulder
KayLee - 02/13/2025
I only went to Boulder for a semester, but I did enjoy my time there. Do not live in Will Vill - the food is great but the dorms are infested with lady bugs and stink bugs ( I was in Darley South) If you are business in Leeds, you should deff live with the people are in simliar degree or youll be left out. Sorority & Frat life is exactly like everyone says it is and there is a heavy alcohol and drug scene. They were not my people & I couldn't find my crowd but if your into party scene def the place.
Neville - 12/01/2024
CU Boulder is a beautiful campus with a safe and friendly environment. On-campus housing is quite nice, even though some buildings are quite hold they are still high quality with heating. Every dormatory has a safe, fun, and friendly environment making it easy to find friends if you're new around town. Campus dining is very nice, as someone who doesn't have time to go back to my dorm and grab a bite, the campus has grab-n-go options all over campus. The 2 main dining halls are decent sized and have all sorts of options for all different ethinicities. As a Southern Asian they always have very similar cuisine in the given section of the dining halls, and this goes for many ethnicities. Campus facilities are nice as they have one massive rec center with a rock-wall, indoor/outdoor pool, several courts for basketball/volleyball, a boxing gym, raquet ball courts, etc. Safe to say you can fullfil a proper workout at the rec with all sorts of entertainment. With Boulder being a state school intro level classes will be massive lecture halls, some are in small sections but most are lecture halls. But I've heard class size of lectures get smaller the further you go in your degree. CU Boulder has a vast selection of extracurricular activities, from intramural sports, to club sports, to clubs in general. You'll definetly be able to find a group that share your interests at Boulder. Boulder is a small city, but the selection of shopping is very vast, and Denver is only a 20 minute drive! But you get everything you need in Boulder, several strip malls, targets, walmarts, pharmacies, and plenty of top notch resturants. Academically CU Boulder is an amazing source of education. Boulder has a top tier Business School and an amazing Engineering School, with Aerospace Engineering being ranked number 5 in the nation! Safe to say you will be surrounded by smart individuals like yourself. Overall Boulder is an amazing school with everything a student could need. If I had to go back in time I would not change a single thing about my choice of Boulder to continue my education!
Gabriela - 11/19/2024
Coming to the University of Colorado Boulder was the best decision I could have made. I am deeply enjoying my classes and major and have no complaints towards the academic aspects. There is also a variety of outdoor opportunities to be outside and remain physically healthy. Additionally it is a very friendly campus with the ability to meet new people at all times. Boulder is a very nice college town with many things to do outside of the school as well. Additionally there are also many opportunities to get involved within the school and show spirit.
Caliana - 11/03/2024
I think the campus is absolutely beautiful, we went there for a campus visit and you could tell the grounds were very well kept. I also appreciated how polite and respectful everyone was when visiting. You could tell the campus culture is very supportive and exciting, people love going there from what we heard.
Brianne - 08/01/2024
CU was a great place to go to school for undergrad. Boulder is stunning, the campus is beautiful and large so everyone can find their niche. I was against going there at first since it was an in-state school, but I'm glad I went! The sports games were a blast to attend, the gym is insanely nice, Boulder is decently walkable with tons to do. You get what you put into undergrad and Boulder (Leeds School of Business more specifically) set me up for success. I'm now on my way to Harvard for my masters! Thank you CU! Sko Buffs!
Kathryn - 07/11/2024
The classes are intriguing and the professors seem to really care that students learn and understand the topic. Professors and TAs are easy to reach and very willing to help. Most of the professors I have had have been very interested in what they teach. As for campus life, it is not great. Many students party and are not terribly interested in academics. In large lecture halls, it is not rare to see students doing other things on their computers, such as online shopping. Group projects are generally left to one person as everyone else doesn't care enough to contribute. As a quiet person who is very focused on my studies, this is not the kind of environment where I've made many friends. I feel quite disconnected from everyone despite being a part of a club. I would say academics are good, but student life could be much better. Hopefully my experience will improve as I continue taking classes here.
David - 05/15/2024
It is a good school to meet like-minded students. There is no shortage of activities for hobbies. Engineering can be a challenge at times, but generally, it's a good challenge, there are many courses you can take. If you have an interest, there is a class that you can take.
Eli - 12/31/2023
There is definitely something for everyone at Boulder, but the experience is entirely contingent on the individual to go out and find their place. I've gained several new interests since enrolling, both inside and outside the classroom. The school is great (in certain fields) and the scenery is gorgeous, but with how expensive tuition and housing is, people should not come here on a whim. Academically, if you're really interested in physics, aerospace engineering, or space, Boulder is top tier. I will say that I've been less than thrilled with my political science studies at CU. I've found the students and faculty in this department to be less impressive and interesting than I had hoped for. On the flip side, I've met several professors in the astrophysics, psychology, and geography departments who really knew their material and enjoyed conveying it. Overall, I've enjoyed my time at Boulder, but I don't think the political science degree I'm about to get has been worth the out-of-state tuition I've been paying. I recognize there's more to school than academics, but putting those factors in monetary terms is exponentially more difficult.
Michel - 06/22/2023
I am very excited to continue my education at CU Boulder. I feel like it's an amazing school with lots to offer. I can hopefully partake in plenty of activities and make the most out of my CU Boulder life. And more importantly, CU Boulder will help me prepare for my ultimate aspirations in life: getting into med school and becoming a surgeon.
Alexandria - 03/07/2023
I can’t wait to leave this place. The only things the students here care about is they’re next party. They are rude and condescending if you’re not into the party scene. I’ve had some very poor TA’s that will literally make the students break down and cry. I have to pay extra to get to my online homework. So I’m making decisions about being able to pay for my supper or have access to my homework while the football team rides the electric scooters the college bought them up and down the hallways. I’m done!
Denali - 12/24/2022
The University of Colorado, Boulder, is an excellent STEM-focused school with a heavy emphasis on engineering. The applied mathematics and physics programs are excellent. The most significant issue that I have with CU Boulder is the level of sexual assault that is reported on campus.
Camden - 07/01/2022
As a large public school, CU mostly is what you make of it. For me, focusing on atmospheric science has been great due to all the nearby national labs that make CU's program one of the highest rated in the world. There are several other highly regarded academic programs if that's what you're looking for.
Outside academics, Boulder is a great place to live, though housing off campus can be quite expensive (you typically live on-campus your first year, then move off later). The party scene is also a major part of the school, as almost anyone you meet drinks at least every couple of weeks, and there are plenty of people who go much harder than that. But, as mentioned earlier, CU is a large school, so you can avoid that scene if you want to.
Megan - 06/09/2022
If someone ever asked me what my favorite part about being a CU Boulder student is, I wouldn't be able to give only one answer. I would start by talking about Ralphie, our live buffalo mascot that runs across the football field every home game. Then I would talk about the amazing networking opportunities and outreach program the school offers. I am always getting emails about internships, volunteer events, and research opportunities that happen all over the area. The general vibe of the campus is also one of those things that just sticks out to you. You have beautiful brick buildings with a view of the flat irons high in the sky. The weather is sunny most days of the year, but you will make many fun memories when it snows. CU Boulder is just one of those campuses that sticks out from the rest and it truly deserves to. If I had to choose which college to go to again, I would chose here without a doubt!
Rachel - 03/03/2021
I think this a very great school for high school students being on their own for the first time. CU Boulder makes it an easy transition from high school to college. With their own programs like health insurance and the buff one card, there is no worry about taking responsibility for everything.
Jake - 06/02/2020
Overall, I would say that the computer science program through CU Boulder's engineering school is pretty good. The classes are reasonably challenging but are quite manageable to due well in and learn a lot from. The academic advising for the department has been outstanding in my personal experience for helping figure out schedule and class options and plan for the future. Additionally, the school's AP credit program is outstanding, as a full AP course-load in High School enabled me to end up with around a whole year's worth of usable credits.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Colorado Boulder is 76%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I would tell my high school self two large pieces of advice. The first would be to stop being a procrastinator. In college, assignments come at you left and right and the due dates sneak up on you so fast. No longer do you get three weeks to write a four page essay, you might get three days. No longer do you have one big assignment a month, you have four big assignments a week. The second piece of advice I would give myself would be to really hone in on time management skills. Even though, four or five classes seem like nothing to a highschooler, they are a lot of work in college. I would want to make sure my highschool self understood classes do not mean go to class and maybe have some homework; they mean going to lecture, taking notes, reading, taking more notes, studying, and taking even more notes. If I had that advice as a high schooler I do not think the transition to college would have been such a shock.
Students here are laid-back, smart and easy to get along with, though some can be lazy and unmotivated to do a little more work when it comes to classes.
The best thing is the Flatirons and the hiking. I would change how it costs everywhere to park, rent is SO expensive, and the wind sucks. I really only spend time on campus for class or the Herd, or the gym otherwise I am elsewhere.
Most professors don't know my name and most classes are pretty big. If you go here, you have to take recitations which are ridiculous. Most colleges don't do that. Boulder students don't have intellectual conversations outside of class because they are too busy partying. Students aren't really competitive either because they don't care. Boulder doesn't really help you when you are struggling; it seems as if they want you to fail. Boulder isn't geared towards jobs or learning; it's geared towards them making as much money as they possibly can.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
The Boulder Freeride is a ski/snowboard club on campus, probably the largest club. Quarterly meetings, giveaways, rail jams, ski trips etc. throughout the year. I', involved with the Annex, a Christian student group., where I've met many of my good friends. We go on ski trips, retreats, hikes and there is weekly worship on Tuesday nights.
Athletic events are very popular and there is a lot of school pride. Foot ball and Basketball are the biggest.
It is easy to party midweek here, a few of the non-engineers in my dorm come in very late 4 or 5 days a week. But again, there's usually something else to do whether that's going to a movie, live performance, skiing, climbing gym . . .
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
What is unique about CU is the city it is tucked away in, Boulder. The city of Boulder is incredibly passionate about health and wellness and offers multiple opportunities for students to be physically active within the community at no cost. Boulder also offers nationally ranked restaurants that cater to the appetites of its residents, such as vegans or competitive eaters. Lastly, Boulder is dedicated to the well being of animals and any students interested in studying them would find incredible resources to do so. By attending CU students get the opprotunity to take advantage of this incredibly unique city.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
The school is AMAZING! The buildings, campus and facilities are well taken care of. The campus has many places to recycle at helping the environment. THe campus is a great place to hang out, get work done and just walk around. The beautiful scenery makes it possible for you to de-stress whenever you need to, but the many libraries and study rooms here also help keep you on track and provide great study locations all over campus. The faculty here are always willing to help when your having trouble with anything as well. This campus is amazing.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
How to better make friends because everyone here is very nice, but I missed out on some opportunities. By the way, even though alcohol is a big part of this school, it's still fairly easy to not drink and still be accepted. I also wish I had known what I wanted my major to be ahead of time and just declared it; it's easier that way.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The most frustrating part about my school is the size of classes at the lower division undergradte level. Some classrooms are stuffed with 250 students, which makes it difficult to ask questions and get help when needed.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
While there is a large party Scene at CU the course work is tough and engaging. Students learn amazing things and engage in incredible research opportunities. There are in all departments and any field you might be interested in, and if all the opportunities somehow will up you can do your own independent study with the guidance of amazing faculty. After all the hard work we do at CU, it's time for a little party.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
A person considering attending this university should be academically focused, should like the outdoors, be outgoing and friendly, and accepting of people from all backgrounds.
There is not one kind of person who attends CU Boulder because it is such a large, diverse school. However, it does have a bit of a reputation of being a tree-hugging, marijuana smoking school. The tree-hugging part is mostly true. But that does not mean every student here is a hippie or an activist. CU just provides avenues for all students to help the enviroment. As for the smoking part, there are students who do drugs but this is not the majority. Those students are just very public with their drug-use.
Boulder is a pretty well known school. Most people associate it with partying, sking, and smoking pot, but there is so much more to Boulder than the party scene. The campus and the view that surrounds it is amazing!
I decided to go to this school because of the beautiful campus. I love the atmosphere. I also decided to go here because of the location. It's not too far and not too close to home. It's only an hour drive for me if I ever needed to go home. Plus my best friend was going to this school so it was nice to know someone before I came here.
The dorms vary from building to building. There are newer dorms, like Hallett, and much older dorms, like Farrand. I spent my freshman year in Libby, which was a good experience, but the dorm itself was not in the best shape. I lived in a room with one other person, who I had not met, but we got a long great. In Libby, there is a common area upstairs, but its rather inconvenient to spend time in. Also, there is an area downstairs with a very old piano and a few tables, which was a nice place to get some quiet studying done. Overall, the dorm experience is what you make it, and if you are friendly to the people on your floor, they will most likely be friendly to you. I was more solitary and did not mingle with others on my floor as much as some, because I entered CU with a few very good friends from high school.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
64% of students attending University of Colorado Boulder receive some sort of financial aid.
16% were awarded federal grants.34%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
