University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado · Public · 78.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 80/100 · Strong Value
University of Colorado Boulder
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $15,666/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $44,918/yr |
| Average net price | $25,346/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $101,384 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,738 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $42,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $207 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 74.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 31,939 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,231 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,381 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,828 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,915 |
| $110,001+ | $34,818 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Colorado Boulder with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $86,441 | B |
| Psychology | $56,867 | C |
| Computer Science | $121,952 | B+ |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $74,779 | C+ |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $71,444 | C |
| International Relations | $69,651 | C+ |
| Economics | $73,319 | B+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,073 | B+ |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $116,350 | B+ |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $63,337 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Colorado Boulder is $15,666/year ($44,918/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $25,346/year, or roughly $101,384 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $14,231/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $34,818/year.
The median graduate leaves with $19,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $207 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $69,738 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.46 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 77.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 82.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 77.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 80.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 78.1% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 610-720 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 630-710 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 29-33 |
| Enrollment | 31,939 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 14.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $13,324 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Boulder (this school) | 80 | $25,346 | $69,738 |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | 84 | $16,264 | $63,742 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | 76 | $11,900 | $64,270 |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | 76 | $13,951 | $63,199 |
| Oregon State University | 75 | $19,604 | $64,010 |
| Adams State University | 29 | $12,980 | $44,372 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Colorado Boulder delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $25,346 per year ($101,384 over four years), graduates earn a median of $69,738 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.9 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 74.2% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $19,500 is very manageable against $69,738 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.