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University of Colorado Boulder

3100 Marine Street, Boulder, CO 80309, USA

University of Colorado Boulder award
University of Colorado Boulder award
US ranking
position: 24
Tuition & fees per year: $14,002
Acceptance rate: 83.00%
Median alumni salary: $48,932
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1280 SAT, 28 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does University of Colorado Boulder offer in terms of athletics?

The University of Colorado Boulder fields a comprehensive athletics program that competes at the NCAA Division I level, primarily within the Pac-12 Conference. The university supports a wide range of sports for both men and women, providing student-athletes with opportunities to participate in highly competitive environments. Facilities are well-developed and designed to accommodate various athletic activities, contributing to a vibrant sports culture on campus.

Men's sports include football, basketball, cross country, golf, skiing, tennis, track and field, and more. Women's athletics feature basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and other sports. Both men's and women's teams have a strong tradition in skiing, reflecting the region's mountainous geography.

Athletic programs emphasize both competitive success and academic achievement, promoting balanced development for students participating in sports. The university offers support services such as athletic training, academic tutoring, and strength and conditioning programs to help student-athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom.

What student groups and Associations are available at University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder offers a diverse range of student organizations catering to various interests. Among these groups are Student Government, which provides students a platform to influence campus policies and activities. CU Gaming appeals to those interested in gaming culture and e-sports, while Boulder Freeride focuses on outdoor snowboarding and skiing activities. The Neuroscience Club gathers students passionate about brain science and related fields, and the Association of Holistic Wellness promotes health and well-being through alternative and holistic approaches.

Who studies at University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder hosts a remarkably large and diverse student body, reflecting a wide range of backgrounds and academic stages. With a total enrollment surpassing 9,000 new students annually, it welcomes 7,546 freshmen-a number that ranks in the top 5% nationwide-as well as 1,517 transfer students, placing it within the top 15% for transfer enrollment. Overall, the total annual new student intake is among the highest in the country.

The student population's ethnic composition is notably varied. The university has a particularly strong representation of Hispanic students, with 4,256 enrolled, ranking it in the top 10% nationally for Hispanic enrollment. White students comprise the largest group by number, with 21,471 individuals, achieving a ranking in the top 5%. The presence of students identifying with two or more races is also significant at 2,130, again placing the institution in the top 5% for such diversity. Asian students number 1,963 and rank in the top 20%, while African American and Pacific Islander students represent moderate percentages, with counts of 578 and 35 respectively, both around the median national level. Native American students and those of unknown ethnicity are also enrolled, with 57 and 305 respectively, reflecting average proportional representation.

The university attracts a predominantly U. S.-based student body. Domestic students from within Colorado contribute 53% of the enrollment, which is relatively low at the bottom 30% nationally, suggesting a sizable out-of-state presence. Indeed, out-of-state students make up 45% of the university population, placing it in the top 25% of institutions with high out-of-state enrollment. This mix offers prospective students a dynamic campus atmosphere with peers from different states and regions across the country. International students, while fewer in number relative to domestic populations, represent an average level in terms of diversity, reflecting presence from around two foreign countries, which ranks below the national median.

The age distribution data sheds light on the composition of undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates are predominantly young adults aged 18 to 21, with 13,723 students aged 18-19 and 12,431 aged 20-21. There are also meaningful numbers of undergraduates in older age groups, though smaller, such as 3,811 students aged 22-24 and beyond, with a few attending at ages above 50. Graduate students tend to be older, with significant enrollment in the 25-29 age range numbering 3,507, and continued representation up to those older than 65, indicating mature students pursuing advanced degrees. This broad age range suggests both fresh high school graduates and experienced professionals find academic opportunities here.

How does student life look like at University of Colorado Boulder?

Student life at University of Colorado Boulder offers a vibrant campus environment supported by numerous extracurricular opportunities. The university hosts active student media such as a campus newspaper and a campus radio station, providing platforms for student expression and engagement. Students interested in the arts can participate in campus drama productions, join the campus band, or become part of the campus chorus, enriching their college experience beyond academics.

Support services aimed at student well-being are readily available. The university provides access to legal services, a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a dedicated veterans affairs office. Additionally, a women's center is in place to support gender-specific needs and foster an inclusive campus community.

The campus serves a very large and diverse student body, with total enrollment reaching nearly 39,100, placing it in the top 5% nationally in size. This substantial population ensures a dynamic social setting with many opportunities for making connections and participating in campus life.

What libraries are available to students at University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder offers a robust library system with a total of six libraries, placing it in the top 5% nationally for the number of libraries available. The main library on campus is the Norlin Library, which serves as a central resource hub for students.

In addition to the six libraries, there are five other specialized libraries, contributing to the university's expansive and diverse collection of academic resources. Students benefit from access to both physical and digital materials, as well as shared collections that enhance research capabilities across disciplines.

Library facilities include study rooms to support collaborative and individual work, and the staff are professionally trained to assist students in navigating available resources. While libraries maintain established operating hours, all-day access is not provided.

University of Colorado Boulder Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

39089

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

7449

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1650 full time, 646 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

University of Colorado Boulder Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Norlin Library

Number of libraries on campus

6

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

University of Colorado Boulder Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

University of Colorado Boulder Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

University of Colorado Boulder Location & Map

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