University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado · Public · 78.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 80/100 · Strong Value
University of Colorado Boulder scores 80 (Strong Value), driven by strong engineering outcomes and a $25,346 average net price. Median 6-year earnings of $42,700 and a 6.9-year payback period are solid, and the 74.2% completion rate is above average for a large research university. Median debt is $19,500 with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.457. The engineering cluster -- Computer Science (483 graduates, $77,385 year-one), Aerospace Engineering (218 graduates, $81,835 year-one), and Mechanical Engineering (262 graduates, $66,089 year-one) -- is the primary ROI driver. Business Administration (1,201 graduates) is the largest program and produces solid mid-tier outcomes. Performing arts and film programs earn D and F grades. The repayment rate of 82.4% indicates that most graduates service debt comfortably.
University of Colorado Boulder scores in the top 25% of all schools we track, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
University of Colorado Boulder
Quick 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).
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.
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 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $14,231 net price per year -- comparable to in-state tuition. At roughly $57,000 over four years and median 6-year earnings of $42,700, the return is solid for engineering and business students. The low Pell rate of 14.5% means low-income students are underrepresented relative to the school's size.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families ($48,001-$75,000) pay $18,828 per year. Families in the $75,001-$110,000 bracket pay $26,915. The step increase is significant -- nearly $8,000 -- suggesting that aid phases out sharply at the upper-middle band. Families in the $75,001-$110,000 range should model the total cost carefully, especially for out-of-state.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $34,818 per year in-state -- about $139,000 over four years. At median earnings of $42,700, the full-pay in-state return is acceptable for engineering; out-of-state at $44,918 tuition approaches private university costs and should be compared directly against private alternatives.
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.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer Science
Computer Science is CU Boulder's highest-volume technical program at 483 graduates, earning $77,385 year-one and $121,952 at year four (ROI grade B+, debt-to-earnings 0.258). The four-year trajectory into $122k reflects the Denver-Boulder tech corridor and remote placement into national tech companies. Median debt of $19,974 is low relative to immediate earnings. At in-state tuition, this is one of the more efficient CS credentials in the Mountain West.
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Aerospace Engineering (218 graduates) earns $81,835 year-one and $116,350 at year four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.306 (ROI grade B+). Boulder's proximity to Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and the national laboratory ecosystem provides direct employer pipelines. The four-year trajectory to $116k is among the strongest non-CS outcomes in the catalog.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is the largest program at 1,201 graduates, earning $56,014 year-one and $86,441 at year four (ROI grade B, debt-to-earnings 0.384). The volume means this figure represents a wide range of outcomes -- finance and consulting tracks skew above the median while retail management and nonprofit roles skew below. For in-state students at a $15,666 tuition, the B grade is a reasonable return.
International Relations
International Relations (281 graduates) earns $39,954 year-one and $69,651 at year four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.488 (ROI grade C+). The four-year figure of $69k reflects graduates entering consulting, government, NGO, and graduate school pipelines. The C+ grade is acceptable for in-state students; out-of-state students should compare carefully against similarly priced alternatives.
Fine and Studio Arts
Fine and Studio Arts (69 graduates) earns $17,501 year-one and $47,297 at year four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.229 (ROI grade F). Graduates owe more than a year's salary on day one. At CU Boulder's out-of-state costs, this program is particularly difficult to justify financially.
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 |
CU Boulder's 78.1% admission rate and ACT 29-33 mid-range make it moderately selective -- meaningfully more selective than Arizona State or the University of Arizona. The brand and Boulder's appeal attract out-of-state students at $44,918 tuition, which shifts the economic calculation substantially. In-state students at $15,666 get a materially better return than out-of-state students.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
CU Boulder's peer schools include Adams State University, University of Colorado Denver, Oregon State University, Indiana University Bloomington, and UT Arlington. Oregon State is the most instructive comparison -- similar research flagship profile, comparable size, and stronger engineering outcomes in some areas. Indiana University Bloomington produces comparable business outcomes. CU Boulder's aerospace engineering pipeline to the Denver-Boulder defense and space industry is a distinctive program-level advantage not replicated by most peers. The 80 ROI score is comparable to peer flagship universities nationally.
| 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 |
Who Thrives Here
CU Boulder admits 78.1% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 610-720 Math and 630-710 Reading, ACT 29-33 composite -- moderately selective for a flagship. At 31,939 students it is a large research university with a distinct outdoor/recreation culture. The 14.5% Pell rate is low for a public flagship, reflecting the school's demographic composition. Students targeting engineering, aerospace, or business get among the best returns in the Mountain West. Students choosing arts, performing arts, or film at CU Boulder's net price will carry D-grade ROI outcomes.
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.
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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.