University of Colorado Boulder

Overview

Acronyms: CU Boulder

Founded: 1876

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #210

Rank in United States: #51

Motto: Let Your Light Shine

Colours: Gold and black

Mascot: Ralphie the Buffalo

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Founded in 1876, the University of Colorado Boulder is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Boulder (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Colorado.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 148-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

CU Boulder also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

University of Colorado Boulder's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.

Academic Details

University of Colorado Boulder's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.

Academic Structures

Below: how University of Colorado Boulder organises its faculties and constituent units. Distance learning programmes often sit in a separate division from on-campus teaching, with different administration.

Programs Offered

The programmes available at University of Colorado Boulder are organised by level. Most institutions cluster intake decisions by faculty, so application timelines often run in waves through the year.

How to apply to University of Colorado Boulder

Step-by-step guidance for applying to University of Colorado Boulder, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

1. 1
   Research programmes at University of Colorado Boulder

   Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of Colorado Boulder offers 225 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

2. 2
   Review admissions criteria

   Each programme at University of Colorado Boulder has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

3. 3
   Gather supporting documents

   Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

4. 4
   Lodge your application

   Apply directly via University of Colorado Boulder's online portal at www.colorado.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

5. 5
   Confirm receipt and track progress

   After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (303) 492 1411. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Colorado Boulder

Frequently asked questions about University of Colorado Boulder, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Selectivity at the top the United States universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to University of Colorado Boulder. The selectivity gap between University of Colorado Boulder and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)

Below: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) member institutions alongside University of Colorado Boulder, useful for shortlists weighted toward partnerships. Partnership-driven shortlisting works well when post-graduate mobility is part of your plan.

University of Toronto

Toronto · Public · Rank #14

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with University of Colorado Boulder. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.

Naropa University

Boulder · Private · Est. 1974

MO

Montessori Education Center of the Rockies

Boulder · Private · Est. 1978

Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies

Choosing the right Linguistics & Language Studies programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across the United States cover the same discipline as University of Colorado Boulder from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

University of Florida

Gainesville · Public · Rank #71

Universities Often Compared with University of Colorado Boulder

International branch campuses are common among universities at University of Colorado Boulder's tier. Peer institutions often operate in similar geographies, signalling comparable global ambition.

University of Miami

Coral Gables · Private · Rank #208

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston · Private · Rank #213

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas · Public · Rank #215

Northeastern University

Boston · Private · Rank #216

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg · Public · Rank #203