CU Boulder First-Year Brochure

Page 1


Be More.

TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR, OR VISIT US IN PERSON.

Imagine. Explore. Discover.

.BEBOULD

EDLUOBEB.EROM

Curiosity Makes Us Boulder.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIFE AS A BUFF.

Top 3%

among world universities (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2024)

Our curiosity makes us experiment. Question. Challenge. It leads us up mountains, across fields, onto stages and even into space. At CU Boulder, curiosity makes us more creative, more innovative, more open to explore.

We thrive on the brink of discovery. We work together to create the next big thing—solutions that revolutionize industries or art that opens minds. And along the way, we build lifelong connections that open our eyes to new possibilities.

Discover how curiosity can transform you.

“There’s always something to do around Boulder. I love the location of CU, plus the fact that I can study something I’m very passionate about.”

FIND YOUR ELEMENT.

Leeds School of Business

All students major in business administration with an emphasis in one of the areas listed below.

Business Administration

Accounting*

Business Analytics

Finance*

Management

Management Information Systems

Marketing

Real Estate*

Strategy and Entrepreneurship

Supply Chain Management

Sustainable Business Business Open Option/Undecided

College of Communication, Media, Design & Information

Architecture

Communication

Environmental Products of Design

Information Science*

Journalism

Landscape Architecture

Media Production

Media Studies

Strategic Communication

Sustainable Planning & Urban Design

Environmental Design Open Option/ Undecided

College of Music

Arts in Music

General

Musicology and World Music

Music Production

Songwriting

Music

Brass & Percussion

Composition

Jazz Studies

Musical Theatre

Musicology

Piano & Keyboard

Strings

Voice

Woodwinds

Music Education

College of Arts

and Sciences

Anthropology

Art History*

Art Practices

Asian Studies

Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences, BA & BS

Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences

Biochemistry

Chemistry

Chinese*

Cinema Studies & Moving Image Arts*

Classics*

Dance

Earth Science

Ecology & Evolutionary Biology*

Economics

English

bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs

Environmental Studies

Ethnic Studies*

French*

Geography, BA & BS

German Studies*

History

Humanities

Integrative Physiology*

International Affairs

Italian

Japanese*

Jewish Studies

Linguistics*

Mathematics, BA* & BS*

Molecular, Cellular & Developmental

Biology

Neuroscience

Philosophy*

Physics, BA* & BS*

Political Science

Psychology

Public Health

Religious Studies*

Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies*

Sociology

Spanish

Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences

Statistics & Data Science, BA* & BS*

Theatre*

Women & Gender Studies

Arts & Sciences Open Option/Undecided

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Aerospace Engineering Sciences*

Applied Mathematics*

Architectural Engineering*

Biological Engineering*

Biomedical Engineering*

Chemical Engineering*

Civil Engineering*+

Computer Science, BA* & BS*

Creative Technology & Design

Electrical & Computer Engineering*+

Electrical Engineering*

Engineering Physics*

Environmental Engineering

Integrated Design Engineering

Mechanical Engineering*+

Engineering Open Option/Undecided

School of Education

Majors leading to teacher licensure in addition to a bachelor's degree: Elementary Education Middle & High School Teaching (requires second major in a related content area)

Non-licensure majors leading only to a bachelor’s degree: Education Studies Leadership & Community Engagement

Program in Exploratory Studies

You don’t need to have it all figured out to get started. When you apply directly to CU Boulder’s Program in Exploratory Studies, you’re saying yes to curiosity, growth and possibility. You’ll explore everything CU Boulder has to offer—majors, minors, passions—as you create your academic journey. You’ll work with skilled advisors and coaches to set academic goals and explore your interests.

Exploratory Studies/University-wide Open Option/Undecided

Interested in Health Sciences or Law?

Follow your passion. We’ll help you turn it into a profession. You can choose any major and prepare for a future in law, medicine or other health-related fields. Our preprofessional advisors will help you explore opportunities and prepare for law school or a health care-related professional school. Choose a major that excites you because, while your major does not affect your chances of admission to a professional program, your performance and enthusiasm will.

+ Denotes Engineering partnership programs with Colorado Mesa University and Western Colorado University. colorado.edu/engineering/universitypartnerships

*Denotes bachelor’s-accelerated master’s degree option

Additional Info: AP/IB credits: bit.ly/cucollegecredit

STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 visa students: bit.ly/custemopt

.

Discover More.

CU Boulder means more. More life-changing memories. More inspiring views. More room to dream. Our campus is alive with possibility. Every day, you can collaborate with someone new, discover your new favorite study spot, meet a new friend or try a new hobby—from rock climbing and gaming to pottery and poetry. Try more, discover more, create more, become more— where everything is possible.

UNLOCK YOUR PASSION

Whether you're interested in outdoor adventure, sustainability, pickleball, dance, chess or something even more unique, there’s a group here for you. And if there’s not? You can start your own. Find the community that makes you bolder, and join the traditions that make us Boulder. Cheer the Buffs to victory on Folsom Field—”Sko Buffs!”—or catch the sunset over the Flatirons with your friends.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Choose a housing experience that matches your goals and interests.

Residential Academic Programs (RAPs)

Live and learn alongside students who share your academic interests. The best part? You’ll have smaller classes, more faculty access and extra support.

Living Learning Communities (LLCs)

Bring your passions home. These themed halls connect you with students who share your drive.

Traditional Housing

Looking for the classic first-year living experience? We've got that too.

OPTIONS FOR EVERY CRAVING

Our nationally ranked dining program offers cuisine from around the world and options for various dietary restrictions: vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal and food allergies.

and organizations

5,430 Feet

Farrand Field

Home to unofficial frisbee tournaments and the coziest hammocks around.

Creek Path

The best way to get around town on your bike, skateboard or on foot.

Boulder Reservoir

Gorgeous waters where our sailing club and crew team practice.

6 miles from campus

AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING.

Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a hub for outdoor adventure, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. With a rich startup culture and recreation opportunities around every corner, the city is a beacon for explorers of every kind. With your student ID, you can get to Denver by bus any day of the week. And with the Denver International Airport only 45 minutes away, you can go even further. Unlock your future where bold ideas are just the beginning.

Eldora

Famous slopes where our Nordic and Alpine ski teams practice. 21 miles from campus

Chautauqua Park

A rock climber’s paradise.

Hike all 8 iconic trails before you graduate to join the Buff tradition. 1 mile from campus

Rec Center

300,000 square feet of sustainably designed recreation space.

The Hill

Go-to spot for the best food, entertainment and off-campus housing. Next to campus

Boulder Creek

Perfect for inner tubing or kayaking in the summer. Next to campus

Pearl Street

A local gem—browse bookstores, grab a bite or hit the farmers market for fresh finds. 1 mile from campus

Invest in Your Potential.

AUTOMATIC CONSIDERATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Your hard work and bright ideas deserve recognition. If you complete your admission application by the early action or regular decision deadline, you’ll be automatically considered for academic scholarships, renewable for up to four years*. If you receive an automatic consideration scholarship, we’ll notify you on your application status page. For more details about scholarships, visit colorado.edu/scholarships/ auto-consider/first-years

*Eligibility for renewal depends on meeting the academic requirements each year.

CU BOULDER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Complete the CU Boulder Scholarship Application to discover more scholarship opportunities. For details, visit colorado.edu/scholarships/prospective-first-year-students

We're here to help you make the most of every opportunity. From scholarships and funding to academic enrichment programs, our resources can shape your future on campus and beyond. Explore what’s possible at colorado.edu/ scholarships/programs-departmental.

EMPLOYERS

LOVE BUFFS

Amazon

Charles Schwab

CU Boulder

Deloitte

Fidelity Investments

KPMG

LASP

Lockheed Martin

Microsoft

Northrup Grumman

of graduates employed or in grad school or in military service within six months of graduation

median early-career salary for students with a CU Boulder bachelor’s degree (PayScale, 2024)

median midcareer salary for students with a CU Boulder bachelor’s degree (PayScale, 2024)

GRADUATE BOULDER.

By the time you walk the stage at graduation, you’ll have the connections, critical thinking skills and career-shaping experience you need to excel in the field of your choice. You’ll join a network of more than 300,000 Buffs spanning continents and industries. You’ll Be Boulder.

CU BOULDER INITIATIVES

The CU Boulder Tuition Guarantee: Locks in your tuition rate for four years creating predictable, consistent cost so you can focus on your goals. colorado.edu/about/value/ tuition-guarantee

The CU Promise program: Financial aid that covers the cost of tuition and fees for eligible Colorado residents. colorado.edu/financialaid/ types-aid/cupromise

TYPES OF AID

IMPORTANT DATES

OCT. 1

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens (for details, visit colorado.edu/financialaid)

DEC. 1

MAR. 1

MAR. 15

CU Boulder Scholarship Application opens

Recommended date to complete the FAFSA and submit the CU Boulder Scholarship Application to be considered for all types of aid

Final deadline for regular decision applicants to submit CU Boulder Scholarship Application

BUILD A BOULDER FUTURE.

HOLISTIC ADMISSION REVIEW PROCESS

We’ll look at the full picture of who you are. We’ll evaluate your academic performance, the rigor of your coursework and—if you choose to submit them—your test scores. But we’ll also look at the things that make you you. We’ll look at your volunteer or work experience, unique talents and any extenuating circumstances that may have shaped your journey. We’ll look for the drive and curiosity you need to thrive here.

BUFFS RAISE THE BAR

All majors

3.72–4.25

Weighted high school GPA (may represent self-reported GPA)

1290–1460

SAT total (evidence-based writing/reading and math scores)

30–34 ACT composite (math, English and reading scores only, science not considered)

Learn more about our admitted student averages at colorado.edu/ admissions/process/first-year/plan.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Summer & fall early action deadline

Summer & fall regular decision deadline Decision by Feb. 1

15

15 Decision by Apr. 1

APPLYING AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?

Learn more about resources and international-specific requirements at colorado.edu/admissions/process/international

MAKE A BOULDER MOVE.

APPLY NOW TO JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF EXPLORERS AND INNOVATORS.

Application checklist

Complete the Common Application

$65 nonrefundable application fee ($70 for international)

Personal essay and one short-answer question

One academic letter of recommendation

High school/secondary school transcript or equivalent

SAT/ACT score (optional)

Transferology account (optional)

Transferology allows you to review which academic courses will transfer to CU Boulder. transferology.com/school/colorado

For more application information, visit colorado.edu/admissions/process/first-year/apply

All of the above materials and fees must be submitted by the Nov. 15 early action deadline or the Jan. 15 regular decision deadline to be considered for admission.

@FutureBuffs

As a student or prospective student at CU Boulder, you have a right to certain information pertaining to financial aid programs, the Clery Act, crime and safety, graduation rates, athletics and other general information such as the costs associated with attending CU Boulder. To view this information online, go to colorado.edu/about/your-right-know.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where all individuals can achieve their academic and professional aspirations free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or related retaliation for raising a concern. CU Boulder does not discriminate based on protected class, which includes race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation or political philosophy.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Visit colorado.edu/oiec to learn more.

The information in this brochure was accurate at the time of printing (August 2025). All information is subject to change without notice.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.