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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Colorado Boulder typically demonstrate strong academic preparation despite the institution's open access policies. The middle 50% of enrolled students score between 1230-1420 on the SAT, with a median of 1353. SAT Math scores range from 610-720, while SAT Verbal scores span 620-700, indicating balanced preparation across quantitative and verbal reasoning. ACT scores range from 28-33 with a median of 28, placing most enrolled students well above national averages. These test scores rank among the highest we track nationally, at the 98th percentile for SAT and 97th percentile for ACT performance. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1198, University of Colorado Boulder enrolls students scoring 155 points higher on average. This academic profile suggests that while admission rates are accessible, enrolled students represent a academically accomplished population. Students scoring within or above these ranges should feel confident about their academic preparation for University of Colorado Boulder's curriculum. Those scoring below the 25th percentile should consider whether their academic background aligns with the rigor expected, though lower scores do not preclude admission given the institution's open access approach.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Colorado Boulder enrolls a moderately diverse student population with 14.8% receiving Pell grants, indicating students from lower-income families make up a smaller portion of the student body. First-generation college students comprise 20.4% of enrollment, while transfer students represent 17.7% of new students. This composition reflects the institution's Selective Achievers classification, where strong outcomes accompany enrollment of fewer low-income students relative to typical public universities. The relatively low Pell share compared to national averages suggests the institution primarily serves middle and upper-middle income students, though financial aid policies do support some students from lower-income backgrounds. Geographic diversity likely favors Colorado residents given in-state tuition advantages, though the institution attracts students from across the country. Students from first-generation backgrounds should note they will find a community of peers, though they represent a minority of the overall student population. The moderate transfer share indicates opportunities for community college students to continue their education, though transfer admission may involve additional requirements and considerations beyond freshman admission.
Given University of Colorado Boulder's 83.3% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should expect admission. However, students seeking alternatives may want different geographic locations, costs, or program focuses.
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University of Colorado Boulder maintains an 89.2% freshman retention rate, meaning most students who enroll return for sophomore year. This compares favorably to the peer median retention rate of 83.7%, indicating effective first-year support systems and student satisfaction. However, the six-year graduation rate of 75% reveals that one in four students do not complete their degrees within the standard timeframe. More concerning, Pell-eligible students graduate at just 56.3%, creating an 18.7 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates. This substantial gap indicates meaningful challenges for lower-income students in degree completion, despite the institution's strong overall outcomes. Students from lower-income backgrounds should carefully consider this completion gap when evaluating fit and should plan to actively engage with academic and financial support services. For students who do complete degrees, post-graduation outcomes are strong, but the institution's completion patterns suggest success requires sustained academic engagement and potentially additional support for students from less privileged backgrounds. Prospective students should realistically assess their academic preparation and support needs when considering enrollment.
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