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University of Colorado Boulder vs United States Air Force Academy

University of Colorado Boulder is a public university in Boulder, CO, and United States Air Force Academy is a public university in USAF Academy, CO. United States Air Force Academy is the more selective of the two, admitting about 14% of applicants against 78% at University of Colorado Boulder. About 88% of students graduate at United States Air Force Academy, compared with 75% at University of Colorado Boulder.

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University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public

United States Air Force Academy

USAF Academy, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Boulder, CO
USAF Academy, CO
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
31,939
4,114
Acceptance rate
78%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1430
1230–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
26–33
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,346
Not reported
Full cost / yr
$37,684
Not reported
In-state tuition
$15,666
Not reported
Out-of-state tuition
$44,918
Not reported
Application fee
$65
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,231
Not reported
$30k - $48k
$14,381
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$18,828
Not reported
$75k - $110k
$26,915
Not reported
Over $110k
$34,818
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
88%
Freshman retention
90%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,939
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,738
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
Not reported
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
Not reported
First-generation students
20%
Not reported
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

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 United States Air Force Academy harder to get into?
United States Air Force Academy is harder to get into. It admits about 14% 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 bigger, University of Colorado Boulder or United States Air Force Academy?
University of Colorado Boulder is the larger of the two, with about 31,939 undergraduates against 4,114 at United States Air Force Academy.
Does University of Colorado Boulder or United States Air Force Academy have a better graduation rate?
United States Air Force Academy has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 75% at University of Colorado Boulder.
Do University of Colorado Boulder and United States Air Force Academy require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Colorado Boulder is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. United States Air Force Academy requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of Colorado Boulder and United States Air Force Academy look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1430 at University of Colorado Boulder and 1230–1440 at United States Air Force Academy. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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