Affordability and Cost
Average Net Price Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included. Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.
$21,198
Calculate your net cost
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$13,141
$30k - $48k
$13,901
$48k - $75k
$18,204
$75k - $110k
$25,326
$110k+
$28,622
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $12,590 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $38,962 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $16,146 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Tuition Payment Plan | Yes |
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [emailprotected]
Aid & Grants
100
74%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
Average Aid Per Year
$9,992
Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
15%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,916
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$8,029
Students receiving state aid
13%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$3,148
Students receiving federal aid
16%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,916
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$16,311
$30k - $48k
$13,992
$48k - $75k
$9,043
$75k - $110k
$3,841
$110k+
$1,824
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$102,600,672
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$55,158,230
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
31%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$9,744
Students receiving federal loans
29%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,118
Average Other Loans Per Year
$23,305
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$13,000
Loan Default Rate
5%
US National: 7%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$186
What Students Are Saying
It is definitely worth the amount you pay. The only downside is that tuition has risen the past couple of years.
John from Arvada, CO
CU Boulder is pretty expensive, but it's worth it. So much of the tuition money you pay goes toward making the school a better place and helping students.
Christian from Waipahu, HI
College is simply expensive. There isn't much getting around that fact. However, the prestige of going to a big school, the experience and the career opportunities are really worth it. I know a fair amount of people who have graduated here who have great jobs that they honestly love, and almost every single one says that it's due to their efforts at this University. It is a big expense and a big campus which is a little overwhelming, but if you make smart decisions and work hard, this school can really send you off into a bright future (as cliche as it sounds).
Hannah from Denver, CO
This depends on whether you plan to pay in-state or out of state tuition. For Colorado residents, the university is a fairly good deal, but if you are out of state, tuition is more than $20,000 a semester. It is worth it though. You will get a world-class education, live in a great town, and meet some amazing people.
Alexandra from Boulder, CO
I will admit that tuition is a little high.. I'm not fond of how much I have to pay being an out of state student but if you're in-state is pretty low. CU-Boulder is a very highly ranked school and there is a lot of opportunity. I've learned a lot and living on campus has been great. There are a lot of options as far as campus living and food goes so it definitely makes the cost of living worth it. As I said though, the tuition for out of state students is a little high so you always have to factor that in.
Athena from Spring Creek, NV
Although the money situation in Boulder, to attend school is outrageous. If you get a way to pay for it then it it certainly worth it. As for myself I am been constantly trying to get scholarships to fund my education. University of Colorado does help you out somewhat when it comes to the money situation.
Tia from Hilo, HI
Being from out of state makes this school more expensive. But applying for scholarships helped it to be competitive with offers from other schools which did not have as many of the choices this university offers. Students are involved, faculty is involved and this school is the right balance of fun, hard work and friendships for most of the students I've met so far. I am glad CU Boulder is here.
Out of State Student
Great price for in state students considering what the school has to offer. However, it may get a little pricey for out of state but the education and experience just might be worth it.
Adam from Parker, CO
On one hand, Boulder is the most nationally respected college in Colorado, as it was named one of the Public Ivies of America. On the other hand, it is not the most friendly place for you and your parents' wallets. Mines, Metro, University of Colorado at Denver, University of Northern Colorado all offer better deals for students in and out of state. Further discouraging is that Boulder's range of scholarships is fairly limited to incoming students. But once you do get past the freshman year, with its mandatory requirement of living in dormitories, expect a substantial 30% drop in living expenses assuming you find a nice apartment. Tuition ranges from $20,000 to $27,000.
Kevin from Lakewood, CO
Between all the help you get, late nights in the 24 hour library, printing, transportation, and amazing professors you really get your moneys worth at CU.
Breanna from Northglenn, CO
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