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University of Colorado Boulder vs Colorado College

University of Colorado Boulder is a public university in Boulder, CO, and Colorado College is a private college in Colorado Springs, CO. Colorado College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 18% of applicants against 78% at University of Colorado Boulder. University of Colorado Boulder is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,346 a year against $33,375 at Colorado College. About 87% of students graduate at Colorado College, compared with 75% at University of Colorado Boulder. Ten years after enrolling, University of Colorado Boulder alumni earn a median of about $69,738, against $65,222 for Colorado College.

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University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public

Colorado College

Colorado Springs, CO · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Boulder, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
31,939
2,014
Acceptance rate
78%
18%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.44–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1430
1230–1460
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,346
$33,375
Full cost / yr
$37,684
$86,921
In-state tuition
$15,666
$70,734
Out-of-state tuition
$44,918
$70,734
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,231
$9,217
$30k - $48k
$14,381
$15,477
$48k - $75k
$18,828
$12,568
$75k - $110k
$26,915
$24,129
Over $110k
$34,818
$44,141
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
87%
Freshman retention
90%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,939
$47,611
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,738
$65,222
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$18,257
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
14%
First-generation students
20%
18%
International students
3%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado College harder to get into?
Colorado College is harder to get into. It admits about 18% of applicants, compared with 78% at University of Colorado Boulder. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado College?
University of Colorado Boulder is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,346 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,375 at Colorado College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado College?
Before aid, University of Colorado Boulder costs about $37,684 a year and Colorado College about $86,921. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado College?
Colorado College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,217 there, against about $14,231 at University of Colorado Boulder. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado College?
University of Colorado Boulder is the larger of the two, with about 31,939 undergraduates against 2,014 at Colorado College.
Does University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado College have a better graduation rate?
Colorado College has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 75% at University of Colorado Boulder.
Do graduates of University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado College earn more?
University of Colorado Boulder alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,738 ten years after enrolling, against about $65,222 for Colorado College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Colorado Boulder is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Colorado College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1430 at University of Colorado Boulder and 1230–1460 at Colorado College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school