International Admissions
ABOUT
The University of Colorado Boulder is an R1 research university and one of only 38 U.S. public research universities in the Association of American Universities Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, our dynamic and diverse community enables students and scholars to work together to reach their personal potential.
Want to explore campus from home? Take our virtual tour: bit.ly/intl_cuvirtualtour
(Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2023)
18 NASA ASTRONAUTS are CU Boulder affiliates
5 NOBEL PRIZE
19:1
5 MACARTHUR FELLOWS NATIONAL MEDAL OF SCIENCE WINNERS student-tofaculty ratio An international leader in STEM college town in the U.S. #1(Best College Reviews, 2023) winners
12
2,500+ international students from 100+ COUNTRIES
730+ VISITING international scholars
Top employers
Amazon, Ball Aerospace, Charles Schwab, CU Boulder, Deloitte, Fidelity Investments, KPMG, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Northrup Grumman
88% of CU Boulder graduates were employed, in grad school or in military service within 6 months of graduation
83% of CU Boulder graduates with a bachelor’s degree are accepted into their firstchoice graduate school
BOULDER
Boulder has some of the best weather in the country. Students experience all four seasons, and Boulder averages 300 days of sunshine each year.
Average high Fall: 66°F/18°C
Winter: 47°F/8°C
Spring: 64°F/18°C
Summer: 85°F/29°C
Average low Fall: 38°F/3°C
Winter: 22°F/-5°C
Spring: 36°F/2°C
Summer: 55°F/13°C
CU Boulder is 35 minutes from Denver and 45 minutes from Denver International Airport by car and an hour via the SkyRide bus service, free for CU Boulder students.
Seattle: 2h 55m
San Francisco: 2h 40m
Los Angeles: 2h 30m
New York City: 3h 50m Denver
Chicago: 2h 20m
Dallas: 2h
Houston: 2h 25m
Mexico City: 3h 40m
London: 8h 55m
Frankfurt: 9h 30m
Tokyo: 11h 40m
Rio de Janeiro: 12h 50m
Beijing: 15h 40m
Riyadh: 17h 45m
New Delhi: 19h 5m
Layover time is not included in these estimates.
Miami: 4h
ACADEMICS
Customize your education
Make your education your own by combining minors, majors, double degrees and concurrent degrees. colorado.edu/academics
5,160+ courses offered in 273 fields of study
270+ undergraduate and graduate programs
Academic enrichment
50+ bachelor’saccelerated master’s
Research is an integral part of the experience at CU Boulder and extends across all disciplines: science, dance, literature and more. Students work with faculty on groundbreaking research that can be published and presented at conferences, giving CU Boulder students a significant advantage as they apply for jobs, graduate school and prestigious fellowships. colorado.edu/research
• 12 research institutes employ more than 3,000 researchers, students and staff.
• 85+ research centers across campus cover a broad range of topics, from multicultural education and astrophysics to glaciology and prevention of violence.
• The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program supports research partnerships between faculty and undergraduate students from a variety of academic disciplines.
• The Biological Sciences Initiative Scholars in STEM provides an hourly wage to undergraduate students who want to gain research experience.
• The Discover Learning Apprenticeship Program enables undergraduate engineering students to earn an hourly wage while engaging in research with faculty and graduate students.
MAJORS
Explanation of symbols:
B Bachelor’s degree
C Bachelor’s-accelerated master’s degrees
Bachelor’s-accelerated master’s degrees are five-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
M Master’s degree
D Doctoral degree
^ OPT STEM extension eligible
Indicates the STEM degrees that are eligible for 36 months of OPT (Optional Practice Training).
College of Arts and Sciences
Anthropology B M D
Applied Mathematics M D ^
Art History B M C
Art Practices B M
Arts of the Americas D
Asian Languages & Civilizations M D
Asian Studies B
Astrophysical & Planetary
Sciences B D ^
Atmospheric & Oceanic
Sciences B M D ^
Audiology D
Biochemistry B D ^
Chemical Physics D ^
Chemistry B D ^
Chinese B C
Cinema Studies and Moving Image Arts B C
Classics B M C D
Cognitive Science D ^
Critical Ethnic Studies D
Comparative Literature M D
Computational Linguistics, Analytics, Search & Informatics M ^
Computer Science B ^
Creative Writing M
Dance B M
Ecology & Evolutionary
Biology B M C D ^
Economics B C D
English B M D
Environmental Studies B M D ^
Ethnic Studies B C
Experience Design M
French B M C D
Geography B M D ^
Geology B M D ^
Gender & Sexuality Studies M
Geophysics D ^
German Studies B M C D
History B M D
Humanities B
Integrative Physiology B M C D ^
International Affairs B
Italian B
Japanese B C
Jewish Studies B
Linguistics B M C D
Masters of the Environment M ^ Mathematics B M C D ^
Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology B D ^
Museum & Field Studies M
Neuroscience B D ^
Philosophy B M C D
Physics B C D ^
Political Science B D
Psychology B D ^
Public Health B
Religious Studies B M C
Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies B M C
Sociology B D
Spanish B M D
Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences B M D
Statistics & Data Science B C ^
Theatre B M C D
Women & Gender Studies B Arts and Sciences Open Option/Undecided
College of Engineering and Applied Science
Aerospace Engineering Sciences B M C D ^
Applied Mathematics B C ^
Architectural Engineering B M C D ^
Biomedical Engineering B M C D ^
Biological Engineering B C ^
Chemical Engineering B M C D ^
Civil Engineering B M C D ^
Computer Science B M C D ^
Data Science M ^
Creative Technology & Design B M D ^
Electrical & Computer Engineering B C ^
Electrical Engineering B M C D ^
Engineering Education D
Engineering Management M ^
Engineering Physics B C ^
Environmental Engineering B M C D ^
Integrated Design Engineering B ^
Materials Science & Engineering M D ^
Mechanical Engineering B M C D ^
Network Engineering M
Robotics M D
Technology, Arts & Media B
Engineering Open Option/Undecided
College of Media, Communication and Information
Communication B M D ^
Corporate Communication M
Emergent Technologies & Media
Art Practices D
Information Science B M C D ^
Interdisciplinary Documentary
Media Practices M
Intermedia Art, Writing & Performance D
Journalism B M
Journalism Entrepreneurship M
Media & Public Engagement M
Media Production B ^
Media Research & Practice D
Media Studies B
Strategic Communication B
Strategic Communication Design M
College of Music
Arts in Music B
• General
• Emphasis in Musicology and World Music
• Emphasis in Music Production
Music B M D
• Brass & Percussion
• Composition
• Jazz Studies
• Musicology
• Musical Theatre
• Piano & Keyboard
• Strings
• Voice
• Woodwinds
Musical Arts D
Music Education B M D
Leeds School of Business
Accounting M
Business Administration B D
• Accounting C
• Finance C
• Management & Entrepreneurship
• Marketing
• Real Estate
Business Analytics M
Finance M
Real Estate M
Supply Chain Management M
Taxation M
Business Open Option/Undecided
Program in
Environmental Design
Through the majors below, students work toward a Bachelor of Environmental Design as preparation for entry into graduate and professional degree programs as well as the workplace.
Architecture B
Environmental Product Design B
Landscape Architecture B
Sustainable Planning & Design B
Environmental Design Open Option/Undecided
School of Education
Curriculum & Instruction M
Curriculum & Instruction
+ Licensure M
Education D
• Equity, Bilingualism & Biliteracy
• Educational Foundations, Policy & Practice
• Learning Science & Human Development
• Literacy Studies
• Research & Evaluation Methodology
• STEM Education
• Teacher Learning, Research & Practice
Educational Foundations, Policy & Practice M
Education Studies B
Elementary Education B M professional licensure program with advanced endorsement in culturally and linguistically diverse education Equity, Bilingualism & Biliteracy M
Higher Education M
Leadership & Community
Engagement B
Learning Sciences & Human Development M
Middle & High School Teaching B professional licensure program
Teacher Leadership M
School
of Law
Law D
Master of Laws M
Master of Studies in Law M
Program in Exploratory Studies
Students may apply directly to this CU Boulder program. Within the program, students discover and pursue the countless options offered at CU Boulder as they develop their own unique academic path. Students in the Program in Exploratory Studies work with a group of highly skilled advisors and coaches to set academic goals and explore their various interests.
Exploratory Studies/University-wide Open Option/Undecided
Preprofessional study in health sciences and law
Students interested in medicine or law can pursue any major at CU Boulder while receiving professional advising for their intended field of interest. Preprofessional advisors are available to help you explore law, medicine or other health programs, and will help you prepare for law school or a health-care-related professional school. We recommend choosing a major that you are interested in—ideally one that you are passionate about—because, while your major does not affect your chances of admission to a professional program, how well you do and the grades you earn do affect your chances.
Explore how to customize your education with bachelor’s-accelerated master’s degrees, minors and certificates: colorado.edu/academics
To learn more about AP/IB credit, please visit bit.ly/cucollegecredit
COMMUNITY & INVOLVEMENT
450+ clubs and organizations
4,630+ students participated in intramural sports in 2023
17 NCAA, Big 12 athletic programs
Housing
We offer housing options that best suit student interests, academic goals and desired college experiences.
• Residential Academic Programs (RAPs):
Residence halls that allow students with similar academic interests to live together, offer small first-year classes, give access to faculty and resources, and reinforce a program’s academic theme.
• Living Learning Communities (LLCs):
Thematic residence halls that bring together students with similar special interests.
• Traditional housing:
These residence halls are perfect for students interested in a traditional first-year living experience.
Dining
Our nationally ranked dining program offers cuisine from around the world and serves students with vegetarian, vegan, kosher and halal diets, and those with food allergies.
CU NightRide
CU NightRide vehicles offer free safe-ride services anywhere in Boulder.
ADMISSION & FUNDING
English proficiency requirements
Engineering
TOEFL
83, writing subscore of 19 or higher (internet-based)
IELTS
6.5, writing subscore of 5.5 or higher
Duolingo 125
Other majors
TOEFL
75, writing subscore of 19 or higher (internet-based)
IELTS
6.5, writing subscore of 5.5 or higher
Duolingo 120
Estimated costs
Base tuition rate & fees
$45,678
On-campus housing and food
$17,794
Tuition is split into tiers for each program.
Books & supplies
$1,200
Total $64,672
• The base tuition rate is for Arts & Humanities and the Social Sciences, Education, Music, Open Option in Arts & Sciences, and the Program in Exploratory Studies.
• Tier 2 is for Environmental Design, and Media, Communication and Information.
• Tier 3 is for Engineering & Applied Science and Natural Sciences.
• Tier 4 is for Business.
Estimated annual costs shown here are based on 2024–25 rates for one academic year (fall and spring). Undergraduate tuition is guaranteed not to change for 4 years, keeping costs predictable for you and your family. Tuition is determined by residency classification and area of study. Tuition tiers reflect the cost of instruction for each area. For the most current costs, visit colorado.edu/bursar. Individual costs may vary and rates may be subject to change.
Tuition, fees, on-campus housing and food, and books/supplies are billed by the university and are just one part of the overall cost to attend CU Boulder. The full cost of attendance for an academic year may also include expenses that are not billed by the university, such as off-campus housing, personal expenses, transportation and medical insurance. View budget examples, and learn more about what makes up the full cost of attendance.
Scholarships
International students are eligible for a couple of highly selective CU Boulder automatic consideration scholarships, but must complete an admission application by January 15 to be considered. colorado.edu/scholarships
CU Boulder Scholarship Application
The CU Boulder Scholarship Application allows students to apply for multiple CU Boulder scholarships with one general application and gain access to additional scholarship opportunities. The application opens November 1. Prospective students will have access once they have submitted a complete admission application.
International students are not eligible for most scholarships available through the CU Boulder Scholarship Application.
APPLICATION DEADLINES & NEXT STEPS
Application deadlines
First-year applicants
*Fall early action deadline
November 15
Fall regular decision deadline
January 15
Fall early action release date
February 1
Fall regular decision release date
April 1
Transfer applicants
Fall early notification deadline
March 15
Fall regular decision deadline
June 1
Transfer admission decisions are released on a rolling basis
*Early action is nonbinding. By submitting their application by the early action deadline, students will be notified of their admissions decision earlier than those who submit their application by the regular decision deadline.
Admission checklist
To apply to CU Boulder, please provide us with the following:
Complete the Common Application (for first-year students) or the CU Boulder Transfer Application
$70 nonrefundable application fee
Official secondary school transcript
Official university transcript (if applicable)
Personal essay and one short answer question (for first-year students) or one academic interest response (for transfer students)
One academic letter of recommendation
SAT/ACT scores (optional)
If you are academically admitted, please provide CU Boulder with the following information:
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores)
Financial support statement
Scan of passport
The ESL Academic Bridge Program is an International English Center (IEC) program for undergraduate students who are academically admitted but still must meet the English proficiency requirements to begin earning their degrees. Students are able to begin their degree programs once they successfully complete all required levels of the Bridge program. colorado.edu/center/iec/esl-academic-bridge
Questions? You can schedule a virtual appointment with your admissions counselor. colorado.edu/admissions/connect/find-your-counselor
Undergraduate admissions
colorado.edu/admissions/process/international intladm@colorado.edu
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 (July 2024). All information is subject to change without notice.