---
title: University of Colorado Boulder — PickACampus
description: Learn about the University of Colorado Boulder's academic statistics, including a 78% acceptance rate, tuition costs, and graduation figures.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/61
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder is a public institution in an urban setting with a total enrollment of 31,939 students. The university maintains an 78% acceptance rate and a 74% graduation rate, with students achieving a median starting salary of $54,939 after graduation. CU Boulder is ranked #61 overall on PickACampus and reports average standardized test scores of 1357 for the SAT and 28 for the ACT.

## Overview
- Location: Boulder, CO
- Type: Public
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 31,939

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 78%
- Average SAT: 1,357
- Average ACT: 28
- Average GPA: 3.70

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $15,666
- Out-of-state tuition: $44,918
- Room and board: $18,468
- Average financial aid: $13,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $19,500

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 74%
- 4-year graduation rate: 57%
- Freshman retention: 90%
- Employment rate: 87%
- Average starting salary: $54,939

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 19:1
- Average class size: 29
- Classes under 20 students: 45%

## Notable
["CU Boulder is home to the only university-run atomic clock in the world.","The campus is nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offering stunning views and outdoor activities.","CU Boulder has produced five Nobel laureates among its faculty and alumni.","The university's mascot, Ralphie, is one of the most recognizable live mascots in college sports."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Ralphie's Run","description":"The live buffalo mascot, Ralphie, runs across the field before football games."},{"name":"Lighting of the 'C'","description":"Students hike to the 'C' on the Flatirons and light it up for special occasions."},{"name":"CU in the Canyon","description":"An annual concert series held in the beautiful Boulder Canyon."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Robert Redford","description":"Academy Award-winning actor, director, and environmentalist."},{"name":"Trey Parker","description":"Co-creator of the animated series 'South Park'."},{"name":"Matt Stone","description":"Co-creator of the animated series 'South Park'."},{"name":"Glenn Miller","description":"Legendary big band leader and trombonist."},{"name":"Christine Bieselin Clark","description":"Emmy-winning costume designer for film and television."}]

## Common questions

Q: What is University of Colorado Boulder's acceptance rate?
A: University of Colorado Boulder's acceptance rate is 78%.

Q: How much does University of Colorado Boulder cost?
A: University of Colorado Boulder charges $15,666 for in-state tuition and $44,918 for out-of-state. Room and board and fees are additional.

Q: Where is University of Colorado Boulder located?
A: University of Colorado Boulder is located in Boulder, CO.

Q: What SAT score do you need for University of Colorado Boulder?
A: The average SAT score at University of Colorado Boulder is 1,357.

Q: What is the graduation rate at University of Colorado Boulder?
A: University of Colorado Boulder has a 6-year graduation rate of 74%.

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