University of Colorado Boulder is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of Colorado Boulder (UCB) is 80.73%. This means that 81 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is University of Colorado Boulder Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as UCB is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
University of Colorado Boulder Admission Requirements
UCB GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UCB is 3.68. UCB is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.38 and 3.68, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended. You need at least a 3.28 GPA to secure admission.
Can I Get Into UCB Without SAT Or ACT?: University of Colorado Boulder considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
University of Colorado Boulder (UCB) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
University of Colorado Boulder Average SAT Score: 1301
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Colorado Boulder is 1301 on the 1600 SAT scale.
University of Colorado Boulder SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1301 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1390 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Colorado Boulder allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1160, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to UCB. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
University of Colorado Boulder SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 635 | 570 | 700 |
| SAT Reading | 640 | 590 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1301 | 1160 | 1390 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1160 then you are below most of the admitted students at UCB and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1390 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into University of Colorado Boulder (UCB) with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Colorado Boulder (UCB) are good but the admission staff at UCB tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Colorado Boulder (UCB) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UCB is 29.
University of Colorado Boulder ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of Colorado Boulder Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 29 on the ACT.
University of Colorado Boulder ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 24 | 30 |
| ACT English | 29 | 24 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 26 | 32 |
Can I get into University of Colorado Boulder with a 32 ACT?
With a 32 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of Colorado Boulder are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at University of Colorado Boulder. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 29.UCB Profile
Name: University of Colorado Boulder (UCB)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from UCB Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Colorado Boulder is USD: 32351. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Colorado Boulder is USD: 20971
How can I get a scholarship?
14.35% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 23.24 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UCB and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Colorado Boulder, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UCB as your choice in the form.
How much a UCB Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the UCB graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 69738. An average UCB graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Colorado Boulder. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of University of Colorado Boulder, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1278 | 28 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1258 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1276 | 29 |
| University of Delaware | University of Delaware, DE | 1290 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | University of Central Florida, FL | 1281 | 27 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1265 | 27 |
| Agnes Scott College | Agnes Scott College, GA | 1276 | 28 |
| Mercer University | Mercer University, GA | 1288 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Colorado Boulder. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for University of Colorado Boulder, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1292 | 27 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1294 | 29 |
| Florida State University | Florida State University, FL | 1309 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Colorado Boulder. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | Loyola Marymount University, CA | 1378 | 31 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1379 | 31 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1380 | 32 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1348 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1340 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Architectural Engineering
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Biochemical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of Colorado Boulder.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.