University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder admitted about 70.7% of applicants in the most recent cycle, offering spots to roughly 51,700 of about 73,200 applicants and enrolling around 7,400 first-years. It reads as accessible at the headline level, though admission to specific colleges such as Engineering or the Leeds School of Business runs tighter than the overall rate.

For most applicants, no. CU Boulder admits about seven in ten applicants and weighs your GPA and the rigor of your course load as very important, so a solid record in challenging classes carries you a long way. The competitive pressure shows up at the major level rather than in the overall gate, and Colorado residents are admitted at a noticeably higher rate than out-of-state applicants.

Out-of-state applicants face longer odds than Colorado residents, but still favorable ones. In the Fall 2025 cycle CU Boulder admitted about 81% of in-state applicants versus roughly 67% of out-of-state applicants. Out-of-state students make up close to half of each entering class, so non-residents are admitted in large numbers even though residency is weighed in the review.

Enrolled first-years average about a 3.77 high school GPA, and academic GPA along with the rigor of your course load count as very important factors. There is no hard cutoff, but applicants well below that average strengthen their case with a demanding schedule in core academic subjects.

A 1300 is comfortably above target: it sits above the median for enrolled first-years, who posted a middle-50% SAT range of 1130–1370 (27–32 on the ACT). CU Boulder is test-optional, so scores are not required, but a 1300 would help rather than hurt if you choose to submit.

Yes. CU Boulder does not require SAT or ACT scores and considers them only if submitted. Among enrolled first-years who sent scores, about 27% submitted the SAT and 6% the ACT, with middle-50% ranges of 1130–1370 and 27–32. If you submit, scores are weighed as a considered factor alongside your GPA and course rigor.

Annual tuition and required fees run about $15,014 for Colorado residents and $46,058 for out-of-state students. A four-year tuition guarantee holds each entering class's rate steady through graduation, and the average aid package for first-years awarded need-based aid is around $23,118, meeting roughly 72% of demonstrated need.

Business and marketing is the largest field at about 17% of bachelor's degrees, followed by engineering at 13% and the biological and life sciences near 12%. Communication, the social sciences, and psychology round out the top areas, and CU Boulder is also widely known for its environmental and aerospace programs.

Yes. CU Boulder rates the application essay as an important factor in its review, on par with recommendations and extracurriculars and above test scores, which are only considered. With grades and course rigor driving the decision, a specific, well-revised essay is a real chance to add context and stand out.