Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
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.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For even higher admission certainty with similar outcomes, consider California State University-East Bay (96.8% acceptance, $71,401 median earnings) or San Francisco State University (96.2% acceptance, $68,077 median earnings). Both California institutions offer similar program breadth with slightly higher earnings potential and significantly more accessible admission processes.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students preferring to stay in Colorado should consider University of Colorado Denver (77.8% acceptance, $64,270 earnings) just 29 miles away, or Colorado State University-Fort Collins (89.6% acceptance, $60,543 earnings) 40 miles away. University of Denver (71.2% acceptance, $71,155 earnings) offers similar outcomes with a private university environment.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
For comparable admission standards elsewhere, Colorado State University-Fort Collins offers 89.6% acceptance with similar program focus, while University of Colorado Denver provides 77.8% acceptance with strong health sciences programs. Regis University (87.3% acceptance) offers a private alternative within Colorado.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
