Official NCES IPEDS & Common Data Set Admissions Statistics (2025-2026 Cycle)
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Flagship Public Public research university Boulder, CO

University of Colorado Boulder Acceptance Rate

Comprehensive admissions statistics, middle 50% SAT/ACT test score percentiles, GPA requirements, deadlines, and cost of attendance according to official NCES IPEDS and Common Data Set reports.

Official Acceptance Rate
80.7%

81 admitted per 100 applicants

Total Applicants
55,000
Undergraduate pool
Total Admitted
44,385
Offers extended
Enrolled Freshmen
7,300
Yield: 16.4%
Middle 50% SAT
1190-1390
25th-75th Percentile
Middle 50% ACT
26-31
Composite score
Average High School GPA
3.66
Unweighted 4.0 scale

Calculate Your Chances of Admission to University of Colorado Boulder

Simulate how your personal high school GPA and standardized test scores compare against CU Boulder's accepted cohort.

College Admissions Chances Calculator

Evaluate admission odds based on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores against official IPEDS benchmarks

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3.85
Composite SAT Score 1480
Harvard University
Institutional Acceptance Rate: 3.4%
Reach School
Estimated Admission Likelihood
6% - 10% (~2.4x baseline rate)
Reach (<35%) Target (35%-70%) Safety (>70%)
Academic Profile vs Middle 50% Benchmarks:
Your GPA vs School Avg
3.85 vs 3.98 Below Avg
Your SAT vs Mid-50%
1480 vs 1490-1580 Near 25th %
Strategic Recommendations for this College:

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CU Boulder Standardized Test Score Distributions

Breakdown of the 25th percentile (bottom quarter) vs 75th percentile (top quarter) of matriculated students.

SAT Middle 50% Distribution

1600 Scale
Composite Total Range 1190 – 1390
Reading & Writing (EBRW) 600 – 690
Math Section 590 – 700
Current Testing Policy Test-Optional permanently

ACT & GPA Academic Benchmarks

36 Scale / 4.0 GPA
ACT Composite 25th Percentile 26
ACT Composite 75th Percentile 31
Average High School Unweighted GPA 3.66 / 4.00
Estimated Class Rank Top 10% of high school graduating class

Application Deadlines & Admissions Plans

Regular Decision (RD) Deadline January 15
Early Application Deadline November 15
Early Admissions Plan Type Early Action
Application Fee $65 (Fee waivers accepted)

Tuition & Estimated Cost of Attendance

In-State Tuition & Fees $13,624 / year
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees $42,368 / year
Institutional Type Public research university
Official Admissions Portal Visit CU Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder Admissions FAQ

Frequently asked questions regarding admission requirements, GPA, and test percentiles for CU Boulder.

What is the acceptance rate for University of Colorado Boulder?

The official undergraduate acceptance rate for University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is approximately 80.7%. For every 100 applicants, around 81 students are admitted, according to latest NCES IPEDS and Common Data Set reports.

What GPA do you need to get into CU Boulder?

Admitted students to CU Boulder typically have an average unweighted high school GPA of around 3.66 on a 4.0 scale. Most successful applicants take rigorous AP, IB, or Honors courses and rank in the top quartile of their graduating class.

What are the middle 50% SAT and ACT scores for CU Boulder?

The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1190 to 1390. For the ACT, the middle 50% composite score is 26 to 31. Scoring in the upper 75th percentile significantly increases your admissions chances.

What is the application deadline for University of Colorado Boulder?

The regular decision application deadline for University of Colorado Boulder is January 15. Early applicants typically submit their materials by November 15 under the Early Action admissions plan.

Is CU Boulder test-optional in 2025-2026?

University of Colorado Boulder's testing policy status: Test-Optional permanently. Please verify program-specific requirements on the official admissions portal before submitting.