Be More.
students enrolled
resident
student-to-faculty ratio
nonresident
first-year students began in fa
Imagine. Explore. Discover.
all 2025
TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR OR VISIT US IN PERSON.
BE
ER. BE MOR E.
ULDER. BE M OR BO
Curiosity Makes Us Boulder.
D BOUL BE E.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIFE AS A BUFF
Top 3%
among world universities (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2025)
Our curiosity makes us experiment. Question. Challenge. It leads us up mountains, across fields, onto stages and even into space. At CU Boulder, curiosity makes us more creative, more innovative, more open to explore. We thrive on the brink of discovery. We work together to create the next big thing—solutions that revolutionize industries or art that opens minds. And along the way, we build lifelong connections that open our eyes to new possibilities. Discover how curiosity can transform you.
“I'm excited to see where my curiosity will take me. I'm taking courses that I probably would have never considered before. I also spend time with professors and take time to reach out to professionals in the
JORGE CRESPO CRUZ ’28 Business Administration, Management
ABOUT
business world.”
FIND YOUR
ELEMENT. MAJORS & PROGRAMS OF STUDY Symbol Key: * Denotes bachelor’s-accelerated master’s degree option + Denotes Engineering partnership programs with Colorado Mesa University and Western Colorado University. colorado.edu/engineering/ university-partnerships
College of Arts and Sciences Anthropology Art History* Art Practices Asian Studies Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences, BA & BS Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences Biochemistry Chemistry Chinese* Cinema Studies & Moving Image Arts* Classics* Dance Earth Science Ecology & Evolutionary Biology* Economics English Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies* French* Geography, BA & BS German Studies* History Humanities Integrative Physiology* International Affairs Italian Japanese* Jewish Studies Linguistics* Mathematics, BA* & BS* Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Neuroscience Philosophy*
Physics, BA* & BS* Political Science Psychology Public Health Religious Studies* Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies* Sociology Spanish Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences Statistics & Data Science, BA* & BS* Theatre* Women & Gender Studies Arts & Sciences Open Option/ Undecided
College of Engineering and Applied Science Aerospace Engineering Sciences*+ Applied Mathematics* Architectural Engineering* Biological Engineering* Biomedical Engineering*+ Chemical Engineering* Civil Engineering*+ Computer Engineering*+ Computer Science, BA* & BS* Creative Technology & Design Electrical Engineering* Engineering Physics* Environmental Engineering Integrated Design Engineering Mechanical Engineering*+ Engineering Open Option/Undecided
College of Communication, Media, Design and Information Architecture Communication Environmental Products of Design Information Science* Journalism Landscape Architecture Media Production Media Studies Strategic Communication Sustainable Planning & Urban Design Environmental Design Open Option/ Undecided
College of Music Arts in Music General Music Production Musicology and World Music Songwriting Music Brass & Percussion Composition Jazz Studies Musical Theatre Musicology Piano & Keyboard Strings Voice Woodwinds Music Education
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
Leeds School of Business
Interested in Law or Health Sciences?
Students major in business administration or integrated business and engineering with an emphasis in one of the areas listed below.
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.
Business Administration Accounting* Business Analytics Finance* Management Management Information Systems Marketing Real Estate* Strategy and Entrepreneurship Supply Chain Management Sustainable Business Integrated Business & Engineering Tech Entrepreneurship Tech-Driven Sustainable Business Business Open Option/Undecided
Additional Info: AP/IB credits: bit.ly/cucollegecredit STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 visa students: bit.ly/custemopt
School of Education Majors leading to teacher licensure in addition to a bachelor's degree: Elementary Education Middle & High School Teaching (requires second major in a related content area)
bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs
Non-licensure majors leading only to a bachelor’s degree:
minors that you can add to your degree
DISCOVER THE MAJORS AND PROGRAMS THAT BRING OUT YOUR BEST. CUSTOMIZE YOUR EDUCATION.
MAJORS
Education Studies Leadership & Community Engagement
Discover More.
CU Boulder means more. More life-changing memories. More inspiring views. More room to dream. Our campus is alive with possibility. Every day, you can collaborate with someone new, discover your new favorite study spot, meet a new friend or try a new hobby—from rock climbing and gaming to pottery and poetry. Try more, discover more, create more, become more— where everything is possible.
UNLOCK YOUR PASSION Whether you're interested in outdoor adventure, sustainability, pickleball, dance, chess or something even more unique, there’s a group here for you. And if there’s not? You can start your own. Find the community that makes you bolder, and join the traditions that make us Boulder. Cheer the Buffs to victory on Folsom Field—”Sko Buffs!”— or catch the sunset over the Flatirons with your friends.
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
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.
OPTIONS FOR EVERY CRAVING
Our nationally ranked dining program offers cuisine from around the world and options for various dietary restrictions: vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal and food allergies.
residence halls
clubs and organizations
on-campus makerspaces
CAMPUS LIFE
TRADITIONAL HOUSING: Looking for the classic first-year living experience? We’ve got that too.
5,430 Feet Farrand Field Home to unofficial frisbee tournaments and the coziest hammocks around.
Creek Path
The best way to get around town on your bike, skateboard or on foot.
Boulder Reservoir
Gorgeous waters where our sailing club and crew team practice. 6 miles from campus
AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING.
Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a hub for outdoor adventure, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. With a rich startup culture and recreation opportunities around every corner, the city is a beacon for explorers of every kind. With your student ID, you can get to Denver by bus any day of the week. And with the Denver International Airport only 45 minutes away, you can go even further. Unlock your future where bold ideas are just the beginning.
Eldora
Famous slopes where our Nordic and Alpine ski teams practice. 21 miles from campus
Chautauqua Park A rock climber’s paradise. Hike all 8 iconic trails before you graduate to join the Buff tradition. 1 mile from campus
Rec Center
300,000 square feet of sustainably designed recreation space.
The Hill
Go-to spot for the best food, entertainment and off-campus housing. Next to campus
Perfect for inner tubing or kayaking in the summer. Next to campus
Pearl Street
A local gem—browse bookstores, grab a bite or hit the farmers market for fresh finds. 1 mile from campus
BOULDER
Boulder Creek
Invest in Your Potential. AUTOMATIC CONSIDERATION SCHOLARSHIPS Your hard work and bright ideas deserve recognition. If you complete your admission application by the early action or regular decision deadline, you’ll be automatically considered for academic scholarships, renewable for up to four years*. If you receive an automatic consideration scholarship, we’ll notify you on your application status page. For more details about scholarships, visit colorado.edu/scholarships/prospective-first-year-students. *Eligibility for renewal depends on meeting the academic requirements each year.
CU BOULDER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Complete the CU Boulder Scholarship Application to discover more scholarship opportunities. For details, visit colorado.edu/scholarships/cuboulder-scholarship-app. We're here to help you make the most of every opportunity. From scholarships and funding to academic enrichment programs, our resources can shape your future on campus and beyond. Explore what’s possible at
colorado.edu/scholarships/programs-departmental.
CU BOULDER INITIATIVES THE CU BOULDER TUITION GUARANTEE: Locks in your tuition rate for four years, creating predictable, consistent costs so you can focus on your goals.
colorado.edu/about/value/ tuition-guarantee
THE CU PROMISE PROGRAM: Financial aid that covers the cost of tuition and fees for eligible Colorado residents.
colorado.edu/financialaid/ types-aid/cupromise
TYPES OF AID Grants Loans Scholarships Work-study
IMPORTANT DATES OCT. 1
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens (for details, visit
DEC. 1
CU Boulder Scholarship Application opens
MAR. 1
Recommended date to complete the FAFSA and submit the CU Boulder Scholarship Application to be considered for all types of aid
MAR. 15
Final deadline for regular decision applicants to submit CU Boulder Scholarship Application
COST & SCHOLARSHIPS
colorado.edu/financialaid)
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. Tuition tiers below reflect differences in the cost of instruction. Base Tuition: Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, Music, Open Option in Arts & Sciences and the Program in Exploratory Studies Tier 2: Communication, Media, Design and Information Tier 3: Engineering & Applied Science and Natural Sciences Tier 4: Business
ESTIMATE YOUR COST WITH THE NET PRICE CALCULATOR. The net price calculator is an easy way to generate an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost at CU Boulder. Using information you provide, the calculator estimates your cost to attend one school year, then subtracts any financial aid you may qualify for.
BASE TUITION RATE FOR RESIDENTS:
BASE TUITION RATE FOR NONRESIDENTS:
Tuition & fees: $15,014
Tuition & fees: $46,058
On-campus housing & food: $19,242 Books & supplies: $1,200
On-campus housing & food: $19,242 Books & supplies: $1,200
Total: $35,456
Total: $66,500
BASE TUITION RATE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TUITION RATES FOR TIERS 2, 3 AND 4.
Tuition & fees: $48,222 On-campus housing & food: $19,242 Books & supplies: $1,200 Total: $68,664
EMPLOYERS LOVE BUFFS Amazon
Charles Schwab CU Boulder
of graduates employed, in grad school or in military service within six months of graduation
Deloitte
Fidelity Investments KPMG LASP
Lockheed Martin Microsoft
Northrop Grumman
of CU Boulder graduates are accepted into their first-choice graduate school
GRADUATE BOULDER. By the time you walk the stage at graduation, you’ll have the connections, critical thinking skills and career-shaping experience you need to excel in the field of your choice. You’ll join a network of more than 300,000 Buffs spanning continents and industries. You’ll Be Boulder.
MORE. B E
BO
R. BE MORE. BE DE UL
BUILD A
BOULDER FUTURE. HOLISTIC ADMISSION REVIEW PROCESS
We’ll look at the full picture of who you are. We’ll evaluate your academic performance, the rigor of your coursework and—if you choose to submit them—your test scores. But we’ll also look at the things that make you you. We’ll look at your volunteer or work experience, unique talents and any extenuating circumstances that may have shaped your journey. We’ll look for the drive and curiosity you need to thrive here.
DER. UL BO
BUFFS RAISE THE BAR All majors 3.70– 4.26
Weighted high school GPA (may represent self-reported GPA)
1300– 1450
SAT total (evidence-based writing/reading and math scores)
29– 34
ACT composite (math, English and reading scores only, science not considered) Learn more about our admitted student averages at colorado.edu/
admissions/process/first-year/plan.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR Summer & fall early action deadline
NOV. 15 Decision by Feb. 1
Summer & fall regular decision deadline
JAN. 15
APPLYING AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT? Learn more about resources and international-specific requirements at colorado.edu/admissions/process/international.
ADMISSION PROCESS
Decision by Apr. 1
MAKE A
BOULDER MOVE. DISCOVER IDEAS THAT INSPIRE AND OPEN DOORS. APPLY NOW TO JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF EXPLORERS AND INNOVATORS.
Application checklist Complete the Common Application $65 nonrefundable application fee ($70 for international) Personal essay and one short-answer question One academic letter of recommendation High school/secondary school transcript or equivalent SAT/ACT score (optional) AP/IB Scores (optional) AP/IB scores are used during orientation/course registration. Credit is evaluated once official score reports are received from the College Board or IB Organization. bit.ly/cucollegecredit
Transferology account (optional) Transferology allows you to review which academic courses will transfer to CU Boulder. transferology.com/school/colorado
For more application information, visit colorado.edu/admissions/process/first-year/apply. All of the above materials and fees must be submitted by the Nov. 15 early action deadline or the Jan. 15 regular decision deadline to be considered for admission.
@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 costs 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 (August 2026). All information is subject to change without notice.