University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO 80309
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public university in CO, founded in 1876, and offers Bachelor’s degrees for undergraduates and Master’s and Doctoral degrees for graduate students. The undergraduate enrollment is 30,300, and the graduate enrollment is 6,656. The University of Colorado Boulder is a moderately selective school, receiving 44,171 applications and accepting 81.5% of applicants. The University of Colorado Boulder’s athletics teams compete at the intramural and varsity levels. Additionally, the University of Colorado Boulder employs 1,713 full-time instructional staff (87% of whom hold doctorate degrees) and has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Empowerly Score®
66
University Score
- School Performance
- Extracurriculars
- Standardized Tests
- Essays
Empowerly Score®
At Empowerly, we prioritize data to customize our approach to student counseling. College admissions is becoming more selective by the year, so it’s never been more important than now to prepare in advance and give yourself the best chance for success.
Take the Empowerly QuizESSAYS
Applicants applying to the University of Colorado, Boulder will apply through the Common Application. Applicants will be required to write one personal statement based on a set of prompts within the application and will also respond to additional university-specific supplemental questions.
Deadlines For Submitting Applications
Early Action Application Deadline
November 15th
Regular Decision Application Deadline
January 15th
ATTENDANCE FACTORS
- Academic GPA - Very Important
- Rigor of Secondary School Record - Very Important
- Standardized Test Scores - Very Important
- Extracurricular Activities - Important
- Character/Personal Qualities - Important
Average Acceptance Rate
81.50%
Empowerly Acceptance Rate
100.00%
STUDENT LIFE
Student Life
Student life at CU Boulder is always exciting. The university prides itself on its home-like atmosphere, making it easy for students to get involved and make friends. Students can join clubs or organizations, attend student events, get involved in student government, join the Cultural Events Board, participate in intramural or club sports, join Greek life, volunteer, or find work and internship opportunities. Additionally, there is a broad variety of dining options available to meet the needs of students with diverse dietary needs and preferences. Students are also encouraged to give back to the community during their time there through various organizations in which they can volunteer their time and help make an impact.
Housing
- 19% of students live on campus
- No special consideration for freshman housing
The housing situation at the University of Colorado at Boulder provides several different options. For freshmen, there are both residence-style and apartment-style halls. Graduate and family housing options are also available for graduate students, faculty, and staff and off-campus housing is also available for students who would prefer. There are 8 graduate and family housing options, 8,040 on-campus undergraduate beds, 9 LEED-certified buildings, 17 dining venues, 1,208 student employees, and a total of 24 residence hall communities, making the university a well-rounded environment for students to thrive and grow into independent free-thinkers and impact makers.
Life as a Student
Life as a University of Colorado Boulder student is sure to be fulfilling. There are so many different opportunities for involvement and housing, and the university’s academic offerings are beyond impressive. New students can quickly find their stride at the university. The decisions students make throughout their time at UC Boulder will pave the way for them to make an impact within the university and beyond.
TOP MAJORS
Business
Psychology
Public Relations
Physiology & Pathology
Computer Science
Economics
SERVICES
Health and Safety
- 24-hour trained security on campus
- Student security patrol
- Late night ride service
- LifeLine Response app connected to police dispatch
- University police department
Student Services
- Health Center
- Legal Advice
- Women's Center
- Psychological Counseling
Athletics
Varsity
Varsity
Triathlon
Baseball
Basketball
Cheerleading
Crew
Equestrian Sports
Fencing
Field Hockey
Football
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Racquetball
Rugby
Skiing (downhill)
Soccer
Swimming & Diving
Tennis
Track & Field
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Water Polo
Cross Country (running)
Cross Country (skiing)
Triathlon
Baseball
Basketball
Cheerleading
Crew
Equestrian Sports
Fencing
Field Hockey
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Racquetball
Rugby
Skiing (downhill)
Soccer
Softball
Swimming & Diving
Tennis
Track & Field
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Water Polo
Cross Country (running)
Cross Country (skiing)
Intramural
Intramural
Badminton
Basketball
Ice Hockey
Soccer
Tennis
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Water Polo
Badminton
Basketball
Ice Hockey
Soccer
Tennis
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Water Polo
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
*All costs are estimates and may differ based on your circumstances.
- Tuition and Fees (Non-Resident) - $40,356
- Books and Supplies - $1,200
- On-Campus Room and Board - $16,146
- Total Estimated Cost of Attendance (Non-Resident) - $57,702
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP / AFFILIATES
HISTORY
The history of the University of Colorado at Boulder is quite notable. From hosting one of the first female professors of state schools in the United States to opening an environmental center to operating far ahead of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, this school has consistently been ahead of the curve in the ways that matter. The university opened its doors for the first time in 1877 with its first president Joseph A. Sewall who served as president for the first 10 years of the university’s existence. One of the first professors hired at the University of Colorado at Boulder was Mary Rippon, who opened the doors for women’s achievements at the university early on in its history as she was among the first few women to begin teaching at a state university.
The university continued to expand with Tuscan-style architecture in the early 20th century. Additionally, President Norlan, who served in that capacity from 1919-1939, stood up against various issues that were surrounding the nation at the time, including the KKK, condemning Nazisim and anti-semitism, and defending both freedom and education valiantly. To this day, his speech entitled “The Norlin Charge” is read at the end of every commencement that is held at the University of Colorado, Boulder. In 1938, informal segregation ended on campus and Jim Crow restrictions were banned by 1943, long before the decision of Brown v. Board of Education. During World War II, the University of Colorado Boulder became a hub for the U.S. Navy’s Japanese Language School. The school’s first Conference on World Affairs was held in 1948, an annual tradition that continues to this day. CU Boulder acquired its first physical mascot (a buffalo) in 1957, a mascot that still graces the presence of every CU Boulder football game. Over the years, 18 graduates have become astronauts and in 1970, CU Boulder’s first student-run environmental center opened its doors.