The University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder) opened its gates in 1877 and is now among the best public research universities in the United States. As a member of the Association of American Universities, the university prides itself in academic excellence and an award winning faculty. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
With more than 15 astronauts as CU alumni, the university received $400 million in 2010 to fund programs in astrophysics, aeronautical sciences and space physics.
CU Boulder offers 3400 courses every year. Colleges and schools include:
College of Architecture and Planning
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Engineering and Applied Science
College of Music
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Leeds School of Business
Students can enroll in online and distance learning courses in engineering, applied science, and ESL programs. An option of evening classes and online independent self paced courses is also available.
Academic “overachievers” can enroll in the Honors Program, which includes the top 10% students in any school with the highest SAT or ACT scores and Norlin Scholars Program, which provides students with academically challenging research projects and an option of working closely with a faculty member of their choice.
Other special programs include the Puksta Scholars Program, ROTC services, Study Abroad and Presidential Leadership Class (PLC).
Each year, 50 academically gifted students are chosen to be a part of the PLC. These students receive a merit scholarship and are given rigorous leadership training.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at University of Colorado at Boulder.
All applicants must fill an application form which is available online before the commencement of the fall and spring sessions. Application requirements are listed below:
Freshmen Applicants
Requirements include high school transcripts, completion of the Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS) and SAT I or ACT scores. Successful applicants at CU Boulder have GPA between 3.50 and 4.0. CU Boulder guarantees admissions to Colorado residents who have exceeded the average GPA in their high school, submitted personal essays, and completed MAPS.
International Applicants
Freshmen international applicants must submit
SAT or ACT scores
All educational transcripts
TOEFL or IELTS scores
Financial support statements
F 1 immigration transfer form
Transfer Applicants
The primary requirement for transfer students are their academic qualifications. Each school has its own requirements for minimum GPA which can be found at here.
Graduate Applicants
Application requirements depend on the program students want to apply to. Typically, GRE/GMAT scores are required along with high school education transcripts, letters of recommendation and personal statement. Some programs may also have a requirement of work experience.
Financial Aid
Multiple types of financial aid are available at CU Boulder in the form of scholarships, direct funding, federal student loans, and work study programs. The first step for getting financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Undergraduate scholarships are listed at The Office of Financial Aid. Merit scholarships include the Presidential Scholarship and the Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship.
Students who receive the Presidential Scholarship get $55,000 in tuition fee, paid over a period of four years.
Graduate students get financial assistance in the form of:
Fellowships
Teaching assistantships
Grants and loans
Student employment opportunities
The Presidential Scholarship and Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship are available for graduate students too. Additionally, many schools and departments at the university have their own scholarship programs. Scholarships can also be obtained through outside organizations and civic bodies.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
University of Colorado at Boulder 2491st for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Colorado scholarships and financial aid
The entire campus is built in the style of Italian rural architecture with brick work giving it an old world feel reminiscent of the 19th century when the college was established.
Residence facilities are available in the form of residence halls, apartments, and academic residential communities. The campus is dotted with 22 residence halls, with the largest being the Stearns East Hall with 425 students. Eleven apartment housing options are available for upper class and married students.
Academic communities include:
Living learning communities, where students with similar academic interests live together and engage in activities that reinforce the academic theme.
Residential academic programs, where students take part in seminar classes held in residence halls and engage with faculty members. These programs are available for first year students only.
Residential colleges, where a faculty member lives in the residence hall and participates in academic activities.
CU Boulder has four dining centers which accept campus cash and meal plans. Grab and go food options include CU on the Run, Zeller’s, and Lickety Split. The campus also has several grocery stores and cafes.
With one of the most active student communities, every day is special at CU Boulder. Students can participate in activities like bowling, disco nights, poker tournaments etc.
Students can join several student clubs and organizations depending on their interest like the Black Student Alliance, Cultural Events Board, Pre-Vet Club and more. The university has an active Greek life which is recognized by the Panhellenic Association and the Multicultural Greek Council.
CU has a state of the art recreational center which helps students stay by offering Yoga classes and facilities like weight and cardio training. The recreation center has two gymnasiums, a bouldering wall, basketball courts, squash and tennis courts, swimming pool, ice hockey ring, saunas, and a rowing studio.
Recreational fields include the Business Field, Farrand Field, Franklin Field, and Williams Village Fields.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at University of Colorado at Boulder?
Known as the Colorado Buffaloes, the athletic teams at the university are affiliated with the NCAA and participate in the Pacific 10 Conference. Sports include skiing, cross country, golf, volleyball, basketball, tennis, track and field, soccer, and more.
The Colorado Buffaloes Ski Team has won 18 national Division I championships while non recognized sports organized through student clubs such as cycling and triathlon are also award winners.
CU Boulder has a football rivalry with Colorado State University and University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Colorado Buffaloes play in the official colors of black and gold.
Alumni
Prominent University of Colorado at Boulder alumni include:
John L. Hall, Nobel Laureate
Loren Acton, NASA Astronaut
Steve Ells, founder of Chipotle Mexican Grill
Robert Palmer, Emmy Award winner
Glenn Asakawa, Pulitzer Prize winner
Trey Parker, co-creator of South Park
Lisa Donovan, actor
Bibliography
University of Colorado at Boulder. University of Colorado at Boulder. Web. 24 May 2011.
Colorado Buffaloes. Colorado Buffaloes. Web. 24 May 2011.
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