Public

Large

Big 12 Conference

University of Colorado Boulder SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1160 to 1380

ACT Range29 to 33

Average GPA3.76

Acceptance Rate78.1%

CU Boulder’s 78% acceptance rate means your strategy should be to show you can thrive there, not just clear the admit line: admitted students average a 3.76 GPA. Because test scores are optional, submit them only if they help, with a useful target near 1380 SAT or 33 ACT.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

University of Colorado Boulder facts and stats

Quick Facts

University of Colorado Boulder enrolls 32,244 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. CU Boulder has a 90% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 74%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1.

Location

Boulder, CO

Undergrad Enrollment32,244

Freshman Retention90%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio19:1

Graduation Rate74%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at CU Boulder?

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Key University of Colorado Boulder application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

November 15

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

November 15

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 15

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because CU Boulder is test-optional, follow this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use summer and fall retakes for score improvement or superscoring; for the November 15 Early Action deadline, target the October SAT or September ACT as your latest retake.

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What you'll actually pay

CU Boulder’s in-state tuition is $11,976, while out-of-state tuition is $40,320 at this public Big 12 university. About 22% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $10,363, creating scholarship opportunities for nonresidents. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline.

In-State Tuition$11,976

Out-of-State Tuition$40,320

Room and Board$17,794

Average Merit Award$10,363

Application Fee$65

Students on Aid22%

Average Aid Package$24,892

Average Debt at Grad$26,355

At CU Boulder, out-of-state tuition is $40,320, while in-state tuition is $11,976, and room and board adds $17,794. About 22% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $24,892. Merit awards average $10,363, with listed scholarship GPA thresholds ranging from 2.0 to 3.5 depending on the award. Graduates leave with an average debt of $26,355.