University of Colorado Boulder (UCB, U of Colorado, Univ of Colorado, U of CO) Academics and Admissions

Academics

The University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder) opened its gates in 1877 and is now among the best public research universities in the United States. As a member of the Association of American Universities, the university prides itself in academic excellence and an award winning faculty. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

With more than 15 astronauts as CU alumni, the university received $400 million in 2010 to fund programs in astrophysics, aeronautical sciences and space physics.

CU Boulder offers 3400 courses every year. Colleges and schools include:

College of Architecture and Planning

College of Arts and Sciences

College of Engineering and Applied Science

College of Music

School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Leeds School of Business

Students can enroll in online and distance learning courses in engineering, applied science, and ESL programs. An option of evening classes and online independent self paced courses is also available.

Academic “overachievers” can enroll in the Honors Program, which includes the top 10% students in any school with the highest SAT or ACT scores and Norlin Scholars Program, which provides students with academically challenging research projects and an option of working closely with a faculty member of their choice.

Other special programs include the Puksta Scholars Program, ROTC services, Study Abroad and Presidential Leadership Class (PLC).

Each year, 50 academically gifted students are chosen to be a part of the PLC. These students receive a merit scholarship and are given rigorous leadership training.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Videos

Information Summary

Ranks 4th in Colorado and 222nd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	92.1
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$31,044
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	31 / 1360
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	19 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	88% / 64%
Enrollment Total (all students)	36,681

Admissions

All applicants must fill an application form which is available online before the commencement of the fall and spring sessions. Application requirements are listed below:

Freshmen Applicants

Requirements include high school transcripts, completion of the Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS) and SAT I or ACT scores. Successful applicants at CU Boulder have GPA between 3.50 and 4.0. CU Boulder guarantees admissions to Colorado residents who have exceeded the average GPA in their high school, submitted personal essays, and completed MAPS.

International Applicants

Freshmen international applicants must submit

SAT or ACT scores

All educational transcripts

TOEFL or IELTS scores

Financial support statements

F 1 immigration transfer form

Transfer Applicants

The primary requirement for transfer students are their academic qualifications. Each school has its own requirements for minimum GPA which can be found at here.

Graduate Applicants

Application requirements depend on the program students want to apply to. Typically, GRE/GMAT scores are required along with high school education transcripts, letters of recommendation and personal statement. Some programs may also have a requirement of work experience.

Gallery

Financial Aid

Multiple types of financial aid are available at CU Boulder in the form of scholarships, direct funding, federal student loans, and work study programs. The first step for getting financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Undergraduate scholarships are listed at The Office of Financial Aid. Merit scholarships include the Presidential Scholarship and the Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship. Students who receive the Presidential Scholarship get $55,000 in tuition fee, paid over a period of four years.

Graduate students get financial assistance in the form of:

Fellowships

Teaching assistantships

Grants and loans

Student employment opportunities

The Presidential Scholarship and Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship are available for graduate students too. Additionally, many schools and departments at the university have their own scholarship programs. Scholarships can also be obtained through outside organizations and civic bodies.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 1400th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Colorado.

Students

The entire campus is built in the style of Italian rural architecture with brick work giving it an old world feel reminiscent of the 19th century when the college was established.

Residence facilities are available in the form of residence halls, apartments, and academic residential communities. The campus is dotted with 22 residence halls, with the largest being the Stearns East Hall with 425 students. Eleven apartment housing options are available for upper class and married students.

Academic communities include:

Living learning communities, where students with similar academic interests live together and engage in activities that reinforce the academic theme.

Residential academic programs, where students take part in seminar classes held in residence halls and engage with faculty members. These programs are available for first year students only.

Residential colleges, where a faculty member lives in the residence hall and participates in academic activities.

CU Boulder has four dining centers which accept campus cash and meal plans. Grab and go food options include CU on the Run, Zeller’s, and Lickety Split. The campus also has several grocery stores and cafes.

With one of the most active student communities, every day is special at CU Boulder. Students can participate in activities like bowling, disco nights, poker tournaments etc.

Students can join several student clubs and organizations depending on their interest like the Black Student Alliance, Cultural Events Board, Pre-Vet Club and more. The university has an active Greek life which is recognized by the Panhellenic Association and the Multicultural Greek Council.

CU has a state of the art recreational center which helps students stay by offering Yoga classes and facilities like weight and cardio training. The recreation center has two gymnasiums, a bouldering wall, basketball courts, squash and tennis courts, swimming pool, ice hockey ring, saunas, and a rowing studio.

Recreational fields include the Business Field, Farrand Field, Franklin Field, and Williams Village Fields.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Known as the Colorado Buffaloes, the athletic teams at the university are affiliated with the NCAA and participate in the Pacific 10 Conference. Sports include skiing, cross country, golf, volleyball, basketball, tennis, track and field, soccer, and more.

The Colorado Buffaloes Ski Team has won 18 national Division I championships while non recognized sports organized through student clubs such as cycling and triathlon are also award winners.

CU Boulder has a football rivalry with Colorado State University and University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Colorado Buffaloes play in the official colors of black and gold.

Alumni

Prominent University of Colorado at Boulder alumni include:

John L. Hall, Nobel Laureate

Loren Acton, NASA Astronaut

Steve Ells, founder of Chipotle Mexican Grill

Robert Palmer, Emmy Award winner

Glenn Asakawa, Pulitzer Prize winner

Trey Parker, co-creator of South Park

Lisa Donovan, actor

Bibliography

University of Colorado at Boulder. University of Colorado at Boulder. Web. 24 May 2011.
Colorado Buffaloes. Colorado Buffaloes. Web. 24 May 2011.

University of Colorado Boulder