Explore What s AN ADMISSIONS GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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EXPLORE CAMPUS THROUGH OUR VIRTUAL TOUR.
Join the University of Colorado Boulder, and discover possibilities around every corner. As a prestigious R1 university, we work together to conduct research and generate ideas that improve lives across the globe. Whether you're drawn to our innovative programs in engineering, science, business or the arts, our supportive community will help you succeed wherever you go.
among world universities
(Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2025)
most beautiful college campus in the U.S. (Travel and Leisure, 2026)
undergraduate students
graduate students
international students from 100+ countries
Expand Your World. At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder offers beautiful scenery and access to competitive careers. Here, you’ll have space to try new things and grow into the person you want to be. Discover Boulder's rich startup culture, where CU Boulder is ranked #1 in startup creation by a single U.S. campus (Association of University Technology Managers, 2024).
WEATHER
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Boulder brings the best of every season. Average High
Average Low
Fall: 66°F/18°C
Fall: 38°F/3°C
Winter: 47°F/8°C
Winter: 22°F/-5°C
Spring: 64°F/18°C
Spring: 36°F/2°C
Summer: 85°F/29°C
Summer: 55°F/13°C
LOCATION
Our campus is just 35 minutes from Denver and 45 minutes from Denver International Airport by car or an hour via the SkyRide bus service, free for CU Boulder students. Seattle 2h 55m
2h 40m
Chicago 2h 20m
Denver
Los Angeles 2h 30m
New York City 3h 50m
Dallas 2h
Houston 2h 25m
Miami 4h
Mexico City: 3h 40m
Rio de Janeiro: 12h 50m
London: 8h 55m
Beijing: 15h 40m
Frankfurt: 9h 30m
Riyadh: 17h 45m
Tokyo: 11h 40m
New Delhi: 19h 5m
Layover time is not included in these estimates.
BOULDER
San Francisco
DISCOVER
MORE. 18
NASA astronauts are CU Boulder affiliates
20:1 student-to-faculty ratio
85+
At CU Boulder, research isn’t just for scientists. It’s for dancers, poets, entrepreneurs. Whatever you’re passionate about, you can work on bold, cross-disciplinary projects that drive innovation and build your future. Plus, through supportive partnerships like the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), you can apply for funding and collaborate with faculty from a variety of academic disciplines. Publish your work. Present your findings. Get noticed by top employers, graduate schools and prestigious fellowships.
colorado.edu/research colorado.edu/urop
research centers across campus
12
research institutes that employ more than 3,000 researchers, staff and students
5
Nobel Prize winners
BUILD YOUR ADVENTURE
Make your CU Boulder experience your own by combining majors and minors and exploring double and concurrent degrees that allow you to follow multiple passions.
colorado.edu/academics
AIRY TADANO ’25
came to CU Boulder from Indonesia and immediately found a home on campus. Airy loves exploring new passions and taking classes outside of her Accounting and Entrepreneurship majors, including her latest favorite: African Dance.
ACADEMICS
HEAR MORE ABOUT LIFE ON CAMPUS FROM OUR STUDENTS.
MAJORS & PROGRAMS OF STUDY Symbol Key: Bachelor’s degree Bachelor’s-accelerated master’s degrees (five-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs) M Master’s degree D Doctoral degree ^ OPT STEM extension eligible (Indicates the STEM degrees that are eligible for 36 months of Optional Practice Training) B
C
College of Arts and Sciences Anthropology B M D Applied Mathematics M D ^ Art History B M C Art Practices B M Arts of the Americas D Asian Languages & Civilizations M D Asian Studies B Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences B D ^ Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences B M D ^ Audiology D Biochemistry B D ^ Chemical Physics D ^ Chemistry B D ^ Chinese B C Cinema Studies and Moving Image Arts B C Classics B M C D Cognitive Science D ^ Comparative Literature M D Computational Linguistics, Analytics, Search & Informatics M ^ Computer Science B ^ Creative Writing M Critical Ethnic Studies D Dance B M Earth Science B M C D ^ Ecology & Evolutionary Biology B M C D ^ Economics B C D English B M D Environmental Studies B M D ^ Ethnic Studies B C Experience Design M French B M C D Geography B M D ^
Geophysics D ^ German Studies B M C D History B M D Humanities B Integrative Physiology B M C D ^ International Affairs B Italian B Japanese B C Jewish Studies B Linguistics B M C D Masters of the Environment M ^ Mathematics B M C D ^ Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology B D ^ Museum & Field Studies M Neuroscience B D ^ Philosophy B M C D Physics B C D ^ Political Science B D Psychology B D ^ Religious Studies B M C Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies B M C Sociology B D Spanish B M D Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences B M D Statistics & Data Science B C ^ Theatre B M C D Women & Gender Studies B Arts and Sciences Open Option/Undecided
College of Engineering and Applied Science Aerospace Engineering Sciences B M C D ^ Applied Mathematics B C ^ Architectural Engineering B M C D ^ Biological Engineering B M C ^ Biomedical Engineering B M C D ^ Chemical Engineering B M C D ^ Civil Engineering B M C D ^ Computer Engineering B M C D ^ Computer Science B M C D ^ Creative Technology & Design B M D ^ Data Science M ^ Electrical Engineering B C ^ Engineering Management M ^ Engineering Physics B C ^ Environmental Engineering B M C D ^ Integrated Design Engineering B ^ Materials Science & Engineering M D ^ Mechanical Engineering B M C D ^ Network Engineering M Engineering Open Option/Undecided
Customize your education. Discover our 250+ degree programs and 83 minors: colorado.edu/academics.
Architecture Communication B M D ^ Corporate Communication M Emergent Technologies & Media Art Practices D Environmental Products of Design B Information Science B M C D ^ Interdisciplinary Documentary Media Practices M Intermedia Art, Writing & Performance D Journalism B M Journalism Entrepreneurship M Landscape Architecture B Media & Public Engagement M Media Production B ^ Media Research & Practice D Media Studies B Strategic Communication B Strategic Communication Design M Sustainable Planning & Urban Design B Environmental Design Open Option/Undecided B B
College of Music Arts in Music B General Emphasis in Music Production Emphasis in Musicology and World Music Emphasis in Songwriting Music B M D Brass & Percussion Composition Jazz Studies Musical Theatre Musicology Piano & Keyboard Strings Voice Woodwinds Music Education B M D Musical Arts D
Leeds School of Business Accounting M C Business Administration B D Accounting Business Analytics Finance Management Management Information Systems Marketing Real Estate Strategy & Entrepreneurship Supply Chain Management Sustainable Business Business Analytics M Finance M Real Estate M C Supply Chain Analytics M Taxation M C Business Open Option/Undecided
School of Education Curriculum & Instruction M Curriculum & Instruction + Licensure M Education D Educational Foundations, Policy & Practice Equity, Bilingualism & Biliteracy Learning Science & Human Development Literacy Studies Research & Evaluation Methodology STEM Education Teacher Learning, Research & Practice Educational Foundations, Policy & Practice M Elementary Education B M professional licensure program with advanced endorsement in culturally and linguistically diverse education Equity, Bilingualism & Biliteracy M Higher Education M Leadership & Community Engagement B Learning Sciences & Human Development M Teacher Leadership M
School of Law Law D Master of Laws M Master of Studies in Law M
Program in Exploratory Studies You don’t need to have it all figured out to get started. When you apply directly to CU Boulder’s Program in Exploratory Studies, you’re saying yes to curiosity, growth and possibility. You’ll explore everything CU Boulder has to offer—majors, minors, passions—as you create your academic journey. You’ll work with skilled advisors and coaches to set academic goals and explore your interests. Exploratory Studies/University-wide Open Option/Undecided
Interested in Health Sciences or Law? Follow your passion. We’ll help you turn it into a profession. You can choose any major and prepare for a future in law, medicine or other health-related fields. Our preprofessional advisors will help you explore opportunities and prepare for law school or a health care-related professional school. Choose a major that excites you because, while your major does not affect your chances of admission to a professional program, your performance and enthusiasm will.
MAJORS
College of Communication, Media, Design and Information
YOUR CENTER FOR This is more than a campus. It’s a place for discovery, innovation and creativity. And it’s yours—your community, your team, your home. We offer resources like free tutoring, one-on-one writing assistance and a multicultural Student Academic Success Center to support you as you learn. International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) supports you with advising, adjusting to life in the U.S., and programs that make it easy to find your people and feel at home on campus. Our Career Services team will also guide you as you navigate the U.S. job market, build your professional network and work toward your career goals. colorado.edu/isss colorado.edu/career/international-students
clubs and organizations
miles of trails in and around Boulder
students participated in intramural sports in 2025–26
Big 12 athletic programs
HOUSING OPTIONS
Choose a housing experience that matches your goals and interests. RESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (RAPs): Live and learn alongside students who share your academic interests. The best part? You’ll get smaller classes, more faculty access and extra support. LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES (LLCs): Bring your passions home. These themed halls connect you with students who share your drive. TRADITIONAL HOUSING: Looking for a classic first-year residence life experience? We’ve got that too.
“CU Boulder definitely has
a great community that makes you feel like you’re part of the family even though you’re very far from home. That’s the
best part of being a Buff.” Our nationally ranked dining program offers cuisine from around the world and options for various dietary restrictions: vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal and food allergies.
SAFE & FREE RIDES
CU NightRide vehicles offer free safe-ride services anywhere in Boulder.
ANDRES SOSSA ’26
Art Practices major from Italy
FIND OUT WHAT MAKES OUR CAMPUS FEEL LIKE HOME.
CAMPUS COMMUNITY
DINING OPTIONS
BUILD YOUR
FUTURE.
We’re ready to invest in your future—to connect you with the mentors and opportunities that will launch your career.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
International students are eligible for a couple of highly selective CU Boulder automatic consideration scholarships and must complete an admission application by January 15 (for first-year) or June 1 (for transfer) to be considered.
colorado.edu/scholarships/cu-boulder-scholarships
Nonresident First-Year Student Scholarships Presidential Scholarship: $15,000 per year for four years (totaling $60,000) Chancellor's Achievement Scholarship: $6,250 per year for four years (totaling $25,000)
Nonresident Transfer Student Scholarships Transfer Excellence Scholarship: $6,000 per year for two years (totaling $12,000)
CU BOULDER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Complete the CU Boulder Scholarship Application to discover more opportunities and apply for multiple CU Boulder scholarships at once. The application opens December 1, and you can access it as soon as you submit your admission application. Some scholarships available through the CU Boulder Scholarship Application require financial-need and are only available to U.S. students.
Amazon Charles Schwab CU Boulder Deloitte Fidelity Investments KPMG LASP Lockheed Martin Microsoft Northrop Grumman
ESTIMATED COST
Estimated annual cost shown here is based on 2026–27 rates for one academic year (fall and spring). Undergraduate tuition is determined by residency classification and area of study. Individual expenses may vary and rates may be subject to change. For the most current cost, visit colorado.edu/bursar. Understand your cost of attendance from tuition and fees to on-campus housing, food, books/supplies, personal expenses, transportation and medical insurance at colorado.edu/understand-your-cost-attendance. For health insurance information, please visit: colorado.edu/health/insurance. Tuition tiers below reflect differences in the cost of instruction.
BASE TUITION RATE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Tuition & fees: $48,222 On-campus housing & food: $19,242
Base Tuition: Arts & Humanities, Education, Music, Open Option in Arts and Sciences, the Program in Exploratory Studies and Social Sciences
Books & supplies: $1,200
Tier 2: Communication, Media, Design and Information
Total: $68,664
Tier 3: Engineering & Applied Science and Natural Sciences Tier 4: Business
of graduates employed or in grad school within six months of graduation
COST & SCHOLARSHIPS
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TUITION RATES FOR TIERS 2, 3 AND 4.
OLD .F OR FAVORS THE NE BO TU
Take The
PURSUE THE FUTURE OF YOUR DREAMS.
Are you ready to hone your skills, launch your ideas and unlock your dream career? Take the next step toward becoming a Buff. You’ll create life-changing memories and participate in resume-building research. And when you graduate, you’ll join a network of more than 300,000 alumni spanning continents and industries. You belong here. We can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish next.
QUESTIONS? SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR.
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ADMISSION CHECKLIST
To apply to CU Boulder, please provide the following: Complete the Common Application (for first-year students) or the CU Boulder Transfer Application $70 nonrefundable application fee Official secondary school transcript Official university transcript (if applicable) Personal essay and one short answer question (for first-year students) or one academic interest response (for transfer students)
Students who are not U.S citizens must submit one of the following: TOEFL iBT26: 4.0 Pre-2026 TOEFL iBT: 80 IELTS: 6.5 Duolingo: 115 PTE: 58 CAE: 180 AP English (either exam): 4 IB SL English A: 6 IB HL English A: 5 GCSE/GCE English: B ACT English: 23 SAT EBRW: 580 WASSCE English: B3 Proof of English proficiency is required for scholarship consideration.
Proof of English proficiency SAT/ACT scores (optional)
SECURE YOUR SPOT
If you are academically admitted, please provide CU Boulder with the following information: Proof of English proficiency Financial support statement Scan of passport If you’re academically admitted but still need to meet the English proficiency requirements, the Pathway to CU Program can help. If you successfully complete all required levels of this International English Center (IEC) program, you can begin your degree program at the university.
colorado.edu/center/iec/pathway-cu
ADMISSION NEXT STEPS
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
One academic letter of recommendation
MAKE YOUR
MOVE.
DISCOVER WHERE CURIOSITY CAN LEAD YOU AT CU BOULDER.
APPLICATION DEADLINES First-Year Applicants Fall early action deadline*: November 15 Fall regular decision deadline: January 15 Fall early action release date: February 1 Fall regular decision release date: April 1
Transfer Applicants Fall early notification deadline: March 15 Fall final application deadline: June 1 Transfer admission decisions are released on a rolling basis. *Early action is nonbinding. If you submit your application by the early action deadline, you will be notified of your admission decision by the end of December. Admission decisions will be released on a rolling basis after December and all applicants will receive their admission decision no later than April 1.
START YOUR JOURNEY NOW AND JOIN THE CU BOULDER COMMUNITY.
@FutureBuffs Printed on recycled paper.
As a student or prospective student at CU Boulder, you have a right to certain information pertaining to financial aid programs, the Clery Act, crime and safety, graduation rates, athletics and other general information such as the cost associated with attending CU Boulder. To view this information online, go to colorado.edu/about/your-right-know.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where all individuals can achieve their academic and professional aspirations free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or related retaliation for raising a concern. CU Boulder does not discriminate based on protected class, which includes race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Visit colorado.edu/oiec to learn more. The information in this brochure was accurate at the time of printing (July 2026). All information is subject to change without notice.