University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

publicgraduate

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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

A Public Ivy in Boulder, CU Boulder leads in space exploration and groundbreaking research.

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) shines as a premier public research institution, widely celebrated as a "Public Ivy" and the flagship university of the Colorado system. Founded in 1876, even before Colorado achieved statehood, it has cultivated a legacy of academic excellence and innovation. Designated as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" and a proud member of the Association of American Universities, CU Boulder is a hub for transformative scholarship and discovery.

With a vibrant community of over 38,000 students exploring more than 150 academic programs across its nine colleges and schools, CU Boulder offers a dynamic educational landscape. The university is a titan in research, attracting over $634 million in support and spending $536 million annually on research and development, ranking it among the top 50 nationally. Its unique contributions to space science are particularly notable, holding the record for the most NASA astrophysics technology grants and being the only university worldwide to have sent instruments to all planets in our Solar System.

Life at CU Boulder is enriched by a spirited campus culture, highlighted by the Colorado Buffaloes' impressive performance in 17 NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference varsity sports, boasting 28 national championships. Beyond athletics, CU Boulder has historically championed inclusivity, pioneering the hiring of its first female professor in 1878 and its first African-American professor in 1956. The university's profound impact is evidenced by its distinguished alumni, faculty, and researchers, who include 12 Nobel Prize laureates, 10 Pulitzer Prize winners, 11 MacArthur Fellows, 20 astronauts, and two U.S. Supreme Court associate justices, all contributing significantly to the world.

Key Highlights

✦Ranked as a "Public Ivy" and an R1: Doctoral University with "Very high research activity."
✦Attracts over $634 million in research support annually, ranking 50th nationally for R&D spending.
✦Receives the most NASA astrophysics technology grants and is the only university to send instruments to all Solar System planets.
✦Offers over 150 academic programs to a vibrant community of more than 38,000 students.
✦The Colorado Buffaloes boast 28 national championships in NCAA Division I sports.
✦Distinguished alumni and faculty include 12 Nobel Prize laureates, 10 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 20 astronauts.
✦Established in 1876, making it one of the oldest and most influential public universities in the western United States.

Timeline

1875

Cornerstone laid for Old Main, the university's first building.

1876

Established by the Colorado territorial legislature, five months before Colorado became a state.

1877

The university officially opened its doors to students.

1878

Mary Rippon was hired as the university's first female professor.

1918

Lucile Berkeley Buchanan became the first African American female graduate.

1940s

Participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program during World War II.

1956

Charles H. Nilon was hired as the university's first African-American professor.

🏛️

150 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

Todd Saliman

President

Russell Moore

Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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