The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the four campuses in the University of Colorado school system, and in this article, we have discussed its acceptance rate and admissions process.
It is essential for applicants to CU Boulder to know what the university is searching for in high schoolers. How the previous admission year was, in terms of selectivity and academic qualifications?
The information we have gathered in this article will enlighten you on admissions, the application process, and the acceptance rate at the University of Colorado Boulder. We have also included information about Early Action and the admission process for transfer students.
Before going into full details on admissions, let us look at CU Boulder as a university.
About the University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is among the four campuses in the University of Colorado system. Established in 1876, the University of Colorado Boulder is located in Boulder, Colorado, and it is a member of the Association of America Universities.
Colorado is one of the public research universities leading the innovation for technological advancement in today’s society. CU Boulder is an institution that engages students in research on aerospace, energy, bioscience, earth, and environmental sciences.
The University of Colorado Boulder functions on a semester-based academic calendar, with over 37,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Also Read: Colorado State University (CSU) Acceptance Rate, Admissions, SAT/ACT, Tuition, Ranking
Schools and Colleges at the University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado is organized into nine undergraduate and graduate divisions.
The College of Arts and Sciences, Leeds School of Business, School of Education, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and College of Music. The University of Colorado Law School, Program in Environmental Design, College of Media, Communication and Information, and Continuing Education and Professional Studies complete the list.
CU Boulder Rankings
Colorado is among the top public schools in the United States, and it occupies notable positions in recent university rankings.
U.S. News and World Report currently ranks the University of Colorado Boulder #97 in National Universities, #42 in Top Public Schools, and #205 in Best Value Schools.
Times Higher Education Ranks CU Boulder at 148th in the world university rankings, and 182nd in U.S rankings.
The University of Colorado Boulder also ranked #264 in the world according to QS World University Rankings.
Campus Life at the University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder provides a perfect environment for college beginners. The CU Boulder community is diverse, active and full of colourful events happening on campus.
There are residential halls at CU Boulder designed for undergraduates to get along with cohorts who share the same ambition toward academic success.
Over 250 student organizations and clubs are active at the Colorado campus. Students at the University of Colorado Boulder are active in cultural clubs, Greek societies and recreational activities.
Intramural sports are also available for students to compete amongst themselves in different varsity sports.
The University of Colorado Boulder Admissions
The University of Colorado Boulder uses a holistic review process to evaluate each application.
The University of Colorado Boulder will decide if you are a candidate for admission by looking at your academic records. If your performances on core academic subjects are poor, you will have a slim chance of getting into CU Boulder.
If you are still in high school, aim for the best grade and high test scores and try to maintain an excellent academic trend. A good letter of recommendation will also enhance your admission chances.
Also Read: 15 Masters Degree Scholarships in USA for Developing Countries
What Is the GPA requirement at CU Boulder?
Admission is competitive at the University of Colorado Boulder. Students who were successful at CU Boulder during the last admission had an average GPA of 3.68 or better.
The best GPA to achieve to get into Colorado is 3.66 on average. Obtain this average with good test scores, and you might be in the next freshman class at CU Boulder.
CU Boulder SAT and ACT Requirements
Standardized test scores are one of the academic factors considered by the University of Colorado Boulder. While reviewing your application, the admission officers at CU Boulder will weigh your SAT scores in other to ascertain if you meet the required standard.
As a first-year applicant to the University of Colorado Boulder, you will need an average SAT score of 1253.
CU Boulder expects your SAT scores to fall within these ranges.
| SAT Section | Score Range |
| Math | 570-690 |
| Reading and Writing | 580-670 |
| Composite | 1160-1350 |
On the ACT, you will need an average score of 28. The ACT score for the 25th percentile is 25, while that of the 75th percentile is 30.
What Is the Acceptance Rate at the University of Colorado Boulder?
In the last few years, the University of Colorado Boulder has been able to admit more than half of the overall applications submitted at the university. On average, the University of Colorado Boulder admits about 80% of applicants during its admission process.
Despite having an acceptance rate of about 80%, getting into CU Boulder is not guaranteed for every applicant. All applicants to the University of Colorado Boulder must meet the academic requirement for admission and have a convincing application profile.
Also Read: Best 20 WUE Schools and what you need to know About them
The University of Colorado Boulder Early Action Acceptance Rate
There is no Early Decision plan at the University of Colorado Boulder instead, CU Boulder offers an Early Action plan. Cu Boulder Early Action is non-binding, and the deadline is November 15.
If you are confident that Colorado is your first choice university, you can apply for Early Action. The most exciting part to apply in Early Action is the deadline and the non-binding agreement attached to it.
The Early Decision deadline at most colleges and universities is usually November 1. CU Boulder Early Action gives you more days to prepare and ready your application materials before the November 15th deadline. Being non-binding, the Early Action plan allows you to decline an admission offer from CU Boulder.
At the same time, you can apply for an Early Action plan at other colleges or universities.
In terms of admitting students who applied via Early Action, the University of Colorado Boulder has an acceptance rate estimated at 96%.
First-Year Admission Requirements and Application Process
The University of Colorado Boulder will accept all first-year applicants, who have graduated from high school and earned a diploma or equivalent.
Before starting the application at CU Boulder, you must have earned 17 units in high school courses. Each college and school at CU Boulder has its requirement for high school courses.
Here is the requirement for high school courses.
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 4 years
- Natural Sciences: 3 years
- Social Sciences: 3 years
- Single Foreign Language: 2 years
- Academic Elective: 1 year
First-Year Application Process
The University of Colorado Boulder accepts the Common Application, and all first-year applicants are advised to apply via the platform.
Application Fee
Domestic applicants are required to pay an application fee of $50, while the application fee for international applicants is $70. Applicants who are eligible for a fee waiver can complete a request for an application fee waiver on the Common Application.
Submit Essays
During the application, you are required to complete a personal essay, and respond to the short answer questions. On the Common Application, select any of the seven essays, and you should not write more than 650 words.
Letter of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation from either a teacher or school counsellor is required. Ensure your full name is written at the top of the recommendation letters.
High School Transcripts
You are required to submit official or unofficial transcripts directly to CU Boulder. Transcripts must be sent from secondary/high schools attended. On the other hand, you can upload transcripts to your status page in the upload material area or send them to transcripts@colorado.edu.
Optional Materials
First-year applicants to the University of Colorado Boulder are not required to submit an SAT and ACT score. However, you can self-report your test scores if you think they will boost your admission chances.
Transfer Application Process and Admissions
The University of Colorado Boulder accepts transfer students from other institutions and will admit students who are academically qualified for admission. But the question is, who is eligible for transfer admission at CU Boulder?
You are eligible for transfer admission if you have graduated from high school and enrolled in a college or university.
How Can I Apply To CU Boulder as a Transfer Applicant?
The application process for transfer students follows a specific routine. Unlike applying via the Common Application, transfer students use a different application platform.
Application
All transfer applicants to the University of Colorado Boulder must apply via the CU Boulder Transfer Application.
Next, pay the application fee of $50, which can be paid online or by checker or money order. If you cannot afford the application fee, submit an application fee waiver form.
Personal Statement
Colorado demands that you submit a CU Boulder personal statement.
Submit official or unofficial secondary school transcripts to CU Boulder from the institution attended.
Lastly, submit all transcripts from each college attended after graduating from secondary school. CU Boulder will accept official and unofficial transcripts.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for Transfer Admission at the University of Colorado Boulder?
Transfer applicants have been successful at the University of Colorado Boulder recently. The acceptance rate for transfer admission at the University of Colorado Boulder is approximately 72%, which is close to CU Boulder’s overall admit rate.
Application Process for International Students
The University of Colorado Boulder shares a diverse community, with over 2,900 international students present on campus. CU Boulder acknowledges the culture, heritage, language and religion of everyone.
There is no preferential treatment for applicants at CU Boulder, as all applicants are treated equally.
Regarding admission requirements, international applicants must submit their official secondary/high school transcripts and certificate. CU Boulder will accept official or unofficial transcripts and certificates. If transcripts and certificates are written in a different language, you will have to submit a certified translated English version.
English Proficiency
International applicants from countries where English is not an official language are required to take an English proficiency exam.
CU Boulder school code:
TOEFL: 4841
CU Boulder will accept exam scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo.
Test Score Requirement
Your test scores should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency. The University of Colorado Boulder must receive your test scores before the November 15th deadline.
Application Process for International Students
The application process for international students follows the same routine as the domestic students.
- Apply via the Common Application
- Pay the application fee of $70
- Respond to essays
- Submit a letter of recommendation
- Submit secondary/high school transcripts
- Standardized test scores are optional
Also Read: 5 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Colorado
What Is the Acceptance Rate for International Students at the University of Colorado Boulder?
The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the public institutions where you will find several international students. The international students at CU Boulder are enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
For the record, the acceptance rate for international students at the University of Colorado Boulder is estimated at 78%.
The University of Colorado Boulder Tuition and Fees
Here is the estimated cost of attendance at CU Boulder.
Tuition for Colorado residents.
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $10,728 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,738 |
| Room and Board | $15,220 |
| Other Expenses Budget | $2,556 |
Tuition for Out-of-State Residents
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $36,546 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,738 |
| Room and Board | $15,220 |
| Other Expenses Budget | $2,556 |
CU Boulder Contact Address
- School Address: Boulder, CO 80309, United States
- Phone: +1 303-492-1411
Visit the official website of the University of Colorado Boulder for the latest news on academics, research, and upcoming events.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding the acceptance rate at the University of Colorado Boulder.
What is the average GPA to get into CU Boulder?
On average, you will need a high school GPA of 3.66. You will be considered a strong candidate for admission with a GPA of 3.66 or higher.
How hard is it to get into CU Boulder?
The acceptance rate at the University of Colorado Boulder is about 80%. The admit rate at CU Boulder does not guarantee automatic admission. Most applicants to CU Boulder are rejected during the admission process.
Is CU Boulder a prestigious school?
The University of Colorado Boulder is a top public school in the United States. CU Boulder is a renowned research institution leading innovation in biosciences, aerospace, energy, earth, and environmental sciences.
Conclusion
The University of Colorado Boulder is a prominent research institution in America. A powerhouse of advanced research and top-quality education.
Despite the acceptance rate at the University of Colorado Boulder, admission is still competitive for most applicants.
Set yourself on a path for academic excellence, and you might be among the next freshman class at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Recommendation
- UC Santa Cruz Acceptance Rate, Admissions, SAT/ACT, GPA, Tuition, Ranking
- Top 10 Business Doctoral Programs online
- IU Bloomington Acceptance Rate, Admissions, SAT/ACT, GPA, Tuition, Ranking
- Best 20 WUE Schools and what you need to know About them
- IU Bloomington Acceptance Rate, Admissions, SAT/ACT, GPA, Tuition, Ranking
References
- U.S. News& World Report: University of Colorado Boulder
- Top Universities: University of Colorado Boulder
- Times Higher Education: University of Colorado Boulder
