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University of Colorado Boulder acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as CU Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder accepts 78% of applicants. It is a public university in Boulder, Colorado, with about 31,939 undergraduates. The sticker price is $37,351 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $23,708.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for CU Boulder?
Admitly estimates a typical Colorado resident needs about a 3.2 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.7 for admission to be likely (80%+).
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into University of Colorado Boulder by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1280, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Colorado resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 36% Target | 15% Reach |
| 2.7 | 36% Target | 15% Reach |
| 3.0 | 37% Target | 15% Reach |
| 3.3 | 60% Target | 30% Target |
| 3.5 | 73% Target | 45% Target |
| 3.7 | 84% Likely | 60% Target |
| 3.9 | 90% Likely | 74% Target |
| 4.0 | 93% Likely | 79% Target |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at University of Colorado Boulder
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $37,351 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $13,400 | $38,600 |
| $50k – $100k | $16,700 | $41,900 |
| $100k – $150k | $21,700 | $46,900 |
| $150k – $250k | $36,700 | $61,900 |
| Over $250k | $37,351 | $65,300 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about University of Colorado Boulder
What is the acceptance rate at University of Colorado Boulder?
University of Colorado Boulder admits 78% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into University of Colorado Boulder?
Admitly estimates a typical Colorado resident needs about a 3.2 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.7 for admission to be likely (80%+). This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of Colorado Boulder?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1240–1430 on the SAT and 29–33 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does University of Colorado Boulder cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $37,351 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $23,708 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $13,400 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at University of Colorado Boulder?
74% of students finish their degree, and 90% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Northern ColoradoGreeley, CO · admits 86%
- Colorado State UniversityFort Collins, CO · admits 89%
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington, IN · admits 78%
- University of MissouriColumbia, MO · admits 78%
- Rowan UniversityGlassboro, NJ · admits 78%
- University of Illinois ChicagoChicago, IL · admits 77%