University of Colorado Boulder admitted 78% of applicants for fall 2024 (52,539 of 67,286, federal IPEDS data). Of the 1,158 students who took a spot on the wait list, 1,007 were admitted (87%, Common Data Set 2024-25). University of Colorado Boulder is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1240–1430.
The numbers
Applied
67,286
fall 2024
ACT, middle 50%
29–33
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.79
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
14%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$65
waivers exist
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Can I get into University of Colorado Boulder?
78% of applicants get in
Most applicants with solid grades get in. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1240–1430 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
67,286 applied, 52,539 admitted, fall 2024 (IPEDS).
Does University of Colorado Boulder need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 18% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1340 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
Essay, recommendations, activities, talent or ability, character.
Also considered
Class rank, SAT or ACT scores, first in your family to go to college, where you live, state residency, volunteering, work experience.
As University of Colorado Boulder rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2024.
Questions people ask
What is University of Colorado Boulder's acceptance rate?
University of Colorado Boulder admitted 78% of applicants for fall 2024 (52,539 of 67,286, federal IPEDS data).
What SAT score do you need for University of Colorado Boulder?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1240–1430. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (IPEDS, fall 2024).
Does University of Colorado Boulder take students off the wait list?
5,740 students were offered a wait-list spot and 1,158 took one. 1,007 of them got in (87%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: IPEDS, fall 2024 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2024 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Deadlines: colorado.edu, 2026-27 (checked Nov 5, 2026)
Test rule: colorado.edu, fall 2027 (checked Nov 2, 2026)
