University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

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Quick Facts

“Λαμψάτω τὸ φῶς ὑμῶν (Greek)”("Let your light shine")

1876

Founded

Public research university

Type

31,578

Total Students

32,520

Undergrad

6,288

Graduate

$2.3B

Endowment

$16K

Tuition (In-State)

$42K

Tuition (Out-State)

$21K

Avg Net Price

83%

Acceptance Rate

75%

Graduation Rate

6-year

89%

Retention Rate

Doctoral Universities

Classification

President: Todd Saliman

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder: A Public Ivy and R1 research powerhouse illuminating the world from the Rockies.

Welcome to the University of Colorado Boulder, a beacon of learning nestled against the stunning Rocky Mountains. Recognized as a "Public Ivy" and classified among the elite "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," CU Boulder stands out as a premier public research institution. It's renowned for groundbreaking discoveries, famously sending instruments to every planet in our solar system, a feat unmatched by any other university.

Founded in 1876, five months before Colorado achieved statehood, CU Boulder is the flagship of the University of Colorado system. Its timeless Greek motto, "Λαμψάτω τὸ φῶς ὑμῶν," which translates to "Let your light shine," encapsulates its enduring commitment to empowering students to achieve their fullest potential. This rich history began with the laying of the Old Main cornerstone in 1875 and the opening of its doors in 1877, shaping generations of leaders and innovators.

Academically robust, CU Boulder offers over 150 diverse programs across its nine colleges and schools, attracting nearly 39,000 students. Its vibrant research ecosystem draws significant investment, with over $634 million in support and $536 million spent on research and development in 2021, ranking it among the top in the nation. This commitment to discovery provides unparalleled opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge projects.

Beyond academics, the spirit of the Colorado Buffaloes thrives. Competing in NCAA Division I, CU Boulder boasts 28 national championships, including 20 in skiing and 7 in cross country. The campus experience is enriched by a legacy of remarkable individuals, with alumni, faculty, and researchers counting 12 Nobel Prize laureates, 10 Pulitzer Prize winners, 20 astronauts, and numerous Olympic medalists among their ranks, inspiring future generations to reach for excellence.

Key Highlights

✦Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" and often referred to as a "Public Ivy."
✦The only university in the world that has sent instruments to all planets in the Solar System.
✦Receives the most NASA astrophysics technology grants of all academic institutions.
✦Attracted over $634 million for research in 2021, ranking 50th nationally for research and development expenditures.
✦Alumni, faculty, and researchers include 12 Nobel Prize laureates, 10 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 20 astronauts.
✦Home to the Colorado Buffaloes, who have won 28 national championships across various sports.
✦Offers over 150 academic programs across nine colleges and schools to nearly 39,000 students.

Timeline

1875

Cornerstone of the building that became Old Main was laid.

1876

Established by the Colorado territorial legislature, five months before statehood.

1877

Doors of the university opened; a preparatory school was also formed.

1878

Hired its first female professor, Mary Rippon.

1918

First African American female graduate, Lucile Berkeley Buchanan, received her degree.

WWII

Participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program.

1956

Hired its first African-American professor, Charles H. Nilon.

1962

Hired its first African-American librarian, Mildred Nilon.

🏛️

150 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

Todd Saliman

President

Russell Moore

Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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