AN ADMISSIONS GUIDE FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
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College Nothing about CU Boulder is average. Opportunity lives in every classroom, every lab and every late-night brainstorm. And you won’t navigate it alone. You’ll discover supportive mentors, faculty and friends who will set you up for your next big success.
Transfer to CU Boulder, and discover what’s possible when you’re part of something bigger.
TOP 3%
among world universities (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2025)
5 100+
CU Boulder transfer students
1 550+
veterans and dependents using VA education benefits
Pursue Bigger Ideas. At CU Boulder, you can do more. Your classes will be more collaborative. More creative. More experiential. Why stay inside the classroom when there are ecosystems to observe outdoors? Why wait until after graduation when you can audition for the Boulder Opera Company now? Why limit business case studies to a textbook when startups are reinventing industries down the street? The opportunities here are rich and endless. With more than 5,200 courses to choose from, you’ll reimagine what’s possible.
“If you tour campus and
CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH
As an R1 university, we never stop asking questions. Discover new medical treatments, devices and materials to enhance the lives of millions of Americans. Provide clean, safe water for drinking and irrigation. Develop quantum technology to protect data from hackers. Be Boulder, and go after answers with your fellow Buffs.
you’re like ‘I can see myself living here,’ then that probably says it’s the right choice. And maybe you should take that leap.”
COLBY MUCHLINSKI ’27
Transfer student in the College of Engineering and Applied Science
250+
bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs
80+
minors you can add to your degree
17
makerspaces, including the Blow Things Up (BTU) Lab and the Innovation Station
UNABLE TO TOUR CAMPUS? TAKE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR.
IGNITE YOUR CURIOSITY.
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
Leeds School of Business Students major in business administration with an emphasis in one of the areas listed below. Business Administration Accounting* Business Analytics Finance* Management Management Information Systems Marketing Real Estate* Strategy and Entrepreneurship Supply Chain Management Sustainable Business Integrated Business & Engineering Business Open Option/Undecided
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) Non-licensure majors leading only to a bachelor’s degree: Education Studies Leadership & Community Engagement
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 Law or Health Sciences? 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 carerelated 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.
Additional Info: AP/IB/CLEP credits: bit.ly/cucollegecredit STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 visa students: bit.ly/custemopt
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS.
Embrace the Boulder Energy. Find your community as a Transfer Buff. Explore our transfer-specific options: Tau Sigma National Honor Society: An honor society dedicated to recognizing the academic achievements of transfer students Association of Non-Traditional Students (ANTS): The ANTS provides academic, personal and professional support for non-traditional students, including transfers, veterans, adult learners and students balancing work and family. Beyond Campus Buffs: Join commuter and off-campus students in a cohort designed to keep you connected, including access to our Commuter Lounge and support from an upper-division Beyond Campus Advisor.
colorado.edu/transfer
#3
most beautiful college campus in the U.S. (Travel and Leisure, 2026)
14
academic learning communities in the CU Lead Alliance.
These ‘academic neighborhoods’ support students through academic enrichment, scholarship opportunities and shared experiences.
4,450+
students participated in intramural sports in 2025–2026
490+
student organizations
“I have not had one negative experience. It feels as if I’ve been here my whole college career. I joined clubs, such as Women in Business and Women in Finance. Those have brought a lot of joy. ”
CATHERINE REMINGTON ’27
Transfer student in the Leeds School of Business
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIFE AS A BUFF.
HOUSING OPTIONS
We’ll help you find a housing option that fits your life. On-campus housing: We have apartment-style options close to your classes. colorado.edu/living Transfer Buffs Living Learning Community (LLCs): Live with other transfer students from across the country. Together, you’ll achieve your goals, build your community and prepare for your dream career.
colorado.edu/transfer/transfer-buffs-llc Off-Campus Life: We help you find roommates and the best off-campus living situation for you and your needs. colorado.edu/offcampus Space is limited in our on-campus housing and LLCs, so we encourage you to explore your options early.
TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR, OR VISIT US IN PERSON.
We Invest in Our Buffs. You’ve worked hard to get to this point, and we’re here to help you take the next step. We’ll help you transfer your credits and find the right scholarships, housing options and more. Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re Boulder together.
CU BOULDER INITIATIVES
The CU Promise Program Financial aid that covers the cost of tuition and fees for eligible Colorado residents. colorado.edu/ financialaid/types-aid/cupromise Veteran Education Benefits If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran, you may be eligible for federal education benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon program, as well as instate tuition status. Contact the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs for more information. colorado.edu/veterans
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES CU Boulder Transfer Excellence Scholarship Complete the CU Boulder Transfer Application by the application deadline for automatic consideration. colorado.edu/scholarships/ transferexcellence We have several transferspecific scholarships available through the CU Boulder Scholarship Application. Apply by June 15. More scholarships are available with earlier deadlines. For more information visit colorado.edu/scholarships. Research other scholarship opportunities and apply early! You do not need to be admitted to apply for scholarships and financial aid. 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, Education, Music, Open Option in Arts & Sciences, the Program in Exploratory Studies and Social Sciences Tier 2: Communication, Media, Design & Information Tier 3: Engineering & Applied Science and Natural Sciences Tier 4: Business
BASE TUITION RATE FOR RESIDENTS: Tuition & fees: $15,014
Books & supplies: $1,200 Total: $16,214
BASE TUITION RATE FOR NONRESIDENTS: Tuition & fees: $46,058
Books & supplies: $1,200 Total: $47,258
BASE TUITION RATE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Tuition & fees: $48,222
Books & supplies: $1,200 Total: $49,422
LEARN MORE ABOUT TUITION RATES FOR TIERS 2, 3 AND 4.
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.
GRADUATE BOULDER By the time you walk the stage at graduation, you’ll have the connections, critical thinking skills and careershaping 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.
86%
of graduates employed, in grad school or in military service within six months of graduation
84%
of CU Boulder graduates are accepted into their first-choice graduate school
EMPLOYERS LOVE BUFFS Amazon Charles Schwab CU Boulder Deloitte Fidelity Investments KPMG LASP Lockheed Martin Microsoft Northrop Grumman
ADMISSION INFORMATION
CU Boulder does not have a minimum transfer credit hour requirement. Because of this, transfer applicants will be reviewed for admission in one of two ways: • If you have fewer than 24 post-high-school credit hours completed at the time of application, your college academic record and your high school record or scores from a high school equivalency exam will be evaluated for admission. Your high school transcript is required in the admission application process. • If you have 24 or more posthigh-school credit hours completed at the time of application, the admission committee will focus on your college academic record alone. For admission criteria information including cumulative GPA, required courses, grades and performance, visit colorado.edu/admissions/process/ transfer/timeline/admissions-criteria.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR Spring application deadline
OCT. 1 Fall early notification & summer application deadline
MARCH 15 Fall final application deadline
JUNE 1 APPLYING AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER STUDENT?
The College of Music requires an additional application, an audition and has slightly different deadlines.
TRANSFERRING TO THE COLLEGE OF MUSIC?
NOTES
BE BOULDER.
READY TO APPLY?
Transfer checklist
Review admission prerequisites colorado.edu/admissions/process/transfer/timeline/admissions-criteria Create a Transferology account Transferology allows you to review which academic courses will transfer to CU Boulder. transferology.com/school/colorado Make an appointment with your admissions counselor colorado.edu/admissions/connect/find-your-admissions-counselor Complete your CU Boulder Transfer Application Provide one academic interest response Send in your transcripts from high school/secondary school and college We accept unofficial and official documents during the application process. If you submit unofficial documents, gain admission to CU Boulder and choose to attend, we will require official transcripts upon enrollment.
$65 nonrefundable application fee ($70 for international) SAT/ACT score (optional) You may provide self-reported scores if you have completed fewer than 24 post-high-school semester credit hours and would like us to take your scores into consideration when reviewing your application.
Students who apply for spring admission will be notified by the end of December. Students who apply by March 15, will get a decision or request for more information by the end of May. Apply by June 1 and receive a decision by the end of June. Apply for financial aid and research housing options. If you have questions about next steps, visit our transfer timeline page. colorado.edu/admissions/process/transfer/timeline
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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.