University Of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder admits 83.3% of applicants, meaning roughly 5 in 6 applicants receive admission offers. This places the institution in the Open Access category (admission rates above 75%), making it significantly more accessible than typical selective universities.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows University of Colorado Boulder admits students at rates slightly above similar institutions. This level of accessibility means most academically prepared students can expect admission, though the institution maintains academic standards through its admissions review process.

Students should view University of Colorado Boulder as a likely admission option when building college lists, particularly for Colorado residents seeking flagship university experiences. The combination of open access with strong post-graduation outcomes makes this institution attractive for students seeking both admission certainty and career preparation.

However, prospective students should carefully evaluate academic fit and preparation for success, as retention and completion rates indicate not all admitted students complete their degrees successfully.

University of Colorado Boulder's published cost of attendance reaches $33,466 annually, including $16,430 in-state tuition, $41,943 out-of-state tuition, $16,950 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $21,480 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,986 from the sticker price.

This net price positions University of Colorado Boulder $5,890 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating higher costs than similar institutions. The cost structure heavily favors Colorado residents, with in-state students paying $25,513 less in tuition than out-of-state students.

Net prices vary substantially by family income, ranging from $11,251 for lowest-income students to $30,549 for highest-income families. This $19,298 spread demonstrates progressive aid targeting, though even low-income students face meaningful costs.

For context, University of Colorado Boulder's costs exceed typical public university levels but remain below private university ranges, positioning it as a moderately expensive public option that requires careful financial planning for most families regardless of income level.

University of Colorado Boulder graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over their post-graduation careers. Median earnings rise from $54,939 six years after enrollment to $64,625 at eight years and $69,738 at ten years, representing 26.9% growth from the six-year benchmark.

These outcomes reflect data from a ten-year cohort of 5,072 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $1,593 above expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing University of Colorado Boulder at the 62.2nd percentile for earnings uplift in the above average tier.

Low-income graduates earn $56,700, demonstrating the institution's ability to support economic advancement across income backgrounds. Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the gap between the 25th percentile ($43,748) and 75th percentile ($103,315) representing a 2.4:1 ratio.

This spread reflects differences in program selection and career paths rather than institutional inconsistency. Approximately 24.1% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pursuits.

University of Colorado Boulder offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with comprehensive federal earnings data for analysis. Computer Science ranks #59 nationally and #1 in Colorado, producing 446 graduates with median earnings of $104,284 and a value score of 68.3.

Aerospace Engineering ranks #11 nationally and #1 in Colorado, graduating 220 students with median earnings of $92,144 and a strong value score of 79.6. Business Administration ranks #59 nationally and #1 in Colorado, representing the university's largest program with 1,080 graduates earning $74,824.

Psychology ranks #45 nationally and #1 in Colorado, graduating 485 students with median earnings of $51,637. Environmental Design ranks #1 nationally with a perfect value score of 100.0, though with a smaller cohort of 141 graduates.

Applied Economics and American Government round out the top programs, both holding #1 positions in Colorado rankings while serving substantial student populations.