CU Boulder Transfer Brochure

AN ADMISSIONS GUIDE FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS

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Turn Your ULDER. BE M OR BO

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College Nothing about CU Boulder is average. Opportunity lives in every classroom, every lab and every late-night brainstorm.

And you won’t navigate it alone. You’ll discover supportive mentors, faculty and friends who will set you up for your next big success.

Transfer to CU Boulder, and discover what’s possible when you’re part of something bigger.

TOP 3%

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

5 200+

CU Boulder transfer students

1 600+

veterans and dependents using VA education benefits

Pursue Bigger Ideas.

At CU Boulder, you can do more. Your classes will be more collaborative. More creative. More experiential.

Why stay inside the classroom when there are ecosystems to observe outdoors?

Why wait until after graduation when you can audition for the Boulder Opera Company now?

Why limit business case studies to a textbook when startups are reinventing industries down the street?

The opportunities here are rich and endless. With more than 4,600 courses to choose from, you’ll reimagine what’s possible.

“I’m very grateful to

CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH

As an R1 university, we never stop asking questions. Discover new medical treatments, devices and materials to enhance the lives of millions of Americans.

Provide clean, safe water for drinking and irrigation. Develop quantum technology to protect data from hackers. Be Boulder, and go after answers with your fellow Buffs.

be here at CU Boulder.

My advice is to take advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities you’ll be given.”

MAGGIE TRIPLETT ’26

Transfer student in the College of Music

230+

bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs

75+

minors you can add to your degree

17

makerspaces, including the Blow Things Up (BTU) Lab and the Innovation Station

EXPLORE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO TRANSFER TO CU BOULDER.

IGNITE YOUR CURIOSITY.

MAJORS & PROGRAMS OF STUDY 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

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

Interested in Health Sciences or Law?

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

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 carerelated 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.

School of Education

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

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)

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

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

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

Additional Info:

AP/IB/CLEP credits: bit.ly/cucollegecredit

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS.

Embrace #1 the 14 Boulder Energy. 4 800+

college town in the U.S.

(Best College Reviews, 2023)

academic learning communities in the CU Lead Alliance.

These ‘academic neighborhoods’ support students through academic enrichment, scholarship opportunities and shared experiences.

Find your community as a Transfer Buff.

Explore our transfer-specific options: Tau Sigma National Honor Society An honor society dedicated to recognizing the academic achievements of transfer students Non-Traditional Student Organization (NTSO) NTSO provides academic, personal and professional support for nontraditional students, including transfers, veterans, adult learners and students balancing work and family.

Beyond Campus Buffs Join commuter and off-campus students in a cohort designed to keep you connected, including access to our Commuter Lounge and support from an upper-division Beyond Campus Advisor.

colorado.edu/transfer

students participated in intramural sports in 2024–2025

450+

student organizations

“I have not had one negative experience. It feels as if I’ve been here my whole college career. I joined clubs, such as Women in Business and Women in Finance.

Those have brought a lot of joy. ”

CATHERINE REMINGTON ’27

Transfer student in the Leeds School of Business

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIFE AS A BUFF.

HOUSING OPTIONS

We’ll help you find a housing option that fits your life.

On-campus housing: We have apartment-style options close to your classes. colorado.edu/living Transfer Buffs Living Learning Community (LLCs): Live with other transfer students from across the country. Together, you’ll achieve your goals, build your community and prepare for your dream career.

colorado.edu/transfer/transfer-buffs-llc Off-Campus Life: We help you find roommates and the best off-campus living situation for you and your needs. colorado.edu/offcampus Space is limited in our on-campus housing and LLCs, so we encourage you to explore your options early.

TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR, OR VISIT US IN PERSON.

We Invest in Our Buffs.

You’ve worked hard to get to this point, and we’re here to help you take the next step.

We’ll help you transfer your credits and find the right scholarships, housing options and more. Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re Boulder together.

CU BOULDER INITIATIVES

The CU Promise Program Financial aid that covers the cost of tuition and fees for eligible Colorado residents. colorado.edu/ financialaid/types-aid/cupromise Veteran Education Benefits If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran, you may be eligible for federal education benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon program, as well as instate tuition status. Contact the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs for more information. colorado.edu/veterans

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES CU Boulder Transfer Excellence Scholarship Complete the CU Boulder Transfer Application by the application deadline for automatic consideration. colorado.edu/scholarships/ transferexcellence We have several transferspecific scholarships, which all have a deadline of June 15.

We also have non-transferspecific awards with earlier deadlines. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information. colorado.edu/scholarships Research other scholarship opportunities and apply early!

You do not need to be admitted to apply for scholarships and financial aid. colorado.edu/financialaid

ESTIMATED COST Estimated annual cost shown here is based on 2025-26 rates for one academic year (fall and spring). Undergraduate tuition is determined by residency classification and area of study. Individual expenses may vary and rates may be subject to change. For the most current cost, visit colorado.edu/bursar Understand your cost of attendance from tuition and fees to on-campus housing, food, books/supplies, personal expenses, transportation and medical insurance at colorado.edu/understand-your-cost-attendance Tuition tiers below reflect differences in the cost of instruction.

Base Tuition: Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, Music, Open Option in Arts & Sciences and the Program in Exploratory Studies Tier 2: Communication, Media, Design and Information Tier 3: Engineering & Applied Science and Natural Sciences Tier 4: Business

BASE TUITION RATE FOR RESIDENTS:

BASE TUITION RATE FOR NONRESIDENTS:

Tuition & fees: $14,606

Tuition & fees: $44,748

Total: $15,806

Total: $45,948

Books & supplies: $1,200

BASE TUITION RATE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Tuition & fees: $46,848

Books & supplies: $1,200 Total: $48,048

Books & supplies: $1,200

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TUITION RATES FOR TIERS 2, 3 AND 4.

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.

88%

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

$73 700

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

$143 200

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

EMPLOYERS LOVE BUFFS • Amazon • Charles Schwab • CU Boulder • Deloitte • Fidelity Investments

• KPMG • LASP • Lockheed Martin • Microsoft • Northrop Grumman

ADMISSION INFORMATION

CU Boulder does not have a minimum transfer credit hour requirement. Because of this, transfer applicants will be reviewed for admission in one of two ways: • If you have fewer than 24 post-high-school credit hours completed at the time of application, your college academic record and your high school record or scores from a high school equivalency exam will be evaluated for admission. Your high school transcript is required in the admission application process.

• If you have 24 or more post-high-school credit hours completed at the time of application, the admission committee will focus on your college academic record alone.

For admission criteria information including cumulative GPA, required courses, grades and performance, visit colorado. edu/admissions/process/transfer/ timeline/admissions-criteria

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Spring application deadline

OCT. 1 Fall early notification & summer application deadline

MARCH 15 Fall application deadline

JUNE 1 APPLYING AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER STUDENT? The College of Music requires an additional application, an audition and has slightly different deadlines.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TRANSFERRING TO THE COLLEGE OF MUSIC.

NOTES

BE BOULDER. Transfer checklist

Review admission prerequisites colorado.edu/admissions/process/transfer/timeline/admissions-criteria Create a Transferology account Transferology allows you to review which academic courses will transfer to CU Boulder. transferology.com/school/colorado Make an appointment with your admissions counselor colorado.edu/admissions/connect/find-your-admissions-counselor Complete your CU Boulder Transfer Application Provide one academic interest response Send in your transcripts from high school/secondary school and college We accept unofficial and official documents during the application process.

If you submit unofficial documents, gain admission to CU Boulder and choose to attend, we will require official transcripts upon enrollment.

$65 nonrefundable application fee ($70 for international) SAT/ACT score (optional) You may provide self-reported scores if you have completed fewer than 24 post-high-school semester credit hours and would like us to take your scores into consideration when reviewing your application.

Receive an admission update 4–6 weeks after submitting your completed application and all supporting materials.

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Apply for financial aid and research housing options.

If you have questions about next steps, visit our transfer timeline page. colorado.edu/admissions/process/transfer/timeline

READY TO APPLY?

@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 (September 2025). All information is subject to change without notice.