Why is CU Boulder a Premier Choice for Undergrads?
The University of Colorado Boulder, or CU Boulder, is a world-class, tier-1 academic institution with a global reputation for research and innovation. The school stands out for the professional opportunities it affords undergraduates through scientific research, micro internships, entrepreneurial programming and more.
Add to this the breathtaking, natural setting of Boulder, Colorado, at the foot of the Rockies, and it’s easy to see why CU Boulder is a premiere choice for students. Read on to learn more about what makes CU Boulder special.
At A Glance: CU Boulder by the Numbers
Top-Ranked Undergraduate Programs at CU Boulder
- Engineering: No. 15 nationally among public universities.
- Aerospace Engineering: No. 6 among public programs.
- Environmental Engineering: No. 8 among public programs.
- Business: No. 21 among public undergraduate business programs.
- Psychology: Undergraduate psychology ranks No. 15 among public peers.
- Geosciences: Repeatedly ranks in the top 5 and top 10 in the world.
- Undergraduate Teaching Program: No. 21 among public universities.
Popular Areas of Study at CU Boulder by Enrollment
Business Administration and Finance – Leeds School of Business
- The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program is one of the most popular at CU Boulder based on enrollment.
- Students earning a BS in Business Administration take two years of core academic courses before choosing one of 10 areas of emphasis: Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Real Estate, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain Management, or Sustainable Business.
- Finance is repeatedly the most popular area of emphasis by enrollment.
- The Leeds School of Business emphasizes practical skills with 100% of undergrads engaging in experiential learning.
- Undergrads participate in case studies and team projects and have strong support for internships.
- Why it’s popular: Industry connections and career support.
- Strong career outcomes: The program boasts a 99% job placement rate within six months of graduation and a large professional mentor network.
Aerospace and Computer Science – College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS)
- The College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS) at CU Boulder is the highest ranked engineering school in Colorado and among the top public engineering programs in the nation.
- It offers 14 undergraduate majors including aerospace, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, mechanical, and more.
- The two most popular areas of study by enrollment at CEAS are Aerospace and Computer Science.
- Engineering students solve problems through science, math, and technology.
- Even as undergraduates, engineering students at CU Boulder have opportunities to engage in high-level, real-world research projects, often in partnership with industry leaders and government agencies.
- Why it’s popular: Boasts top national rankings, hands-on learning opportunities for undergrads, and world-class aerospace connections.
- Career versatility: An engineering degree provides a strong foundation that can open doors to many different jobs, often requiring less extracurricular proof beyond the degree itself to land a solid position.
Program in Exploratory Studies (PES) – Undeclared Major
- Program in Exploratory Studies (PES) is one of the most popular points of entry for many CU Boulder undergraduates.
- PES doesn’t confer degrees. Students in PES transfer to one of the 80+ degree-granting majors at CU Boulder after no more than four semesters, but generally after the second or third semester.
- The program is designed for students admitted to CU Boulder who are unsure about which major to declare or what academic path they should take to reach career goals.
- Students admitted to PES take advantage of resources and advising that help them figure out their options and select an academic path to successfully transfer into.
Navigating Student Support & Accommodations at CU Boulder?
Succeeding at a world-class research university requires strong time management, self-advocacy, and robust support systems. Explore our comprehensive Guide to CU Boulder Student Support for links to campus directories and contact information for official CU Boulder disability services, tutoring help rooms, career services and private, 1-on-1 executive function coaching tailored for Buffs.
Real-World Educational Experiences for Undergrads
Unlike many large research universities, CU Boulder actively integrates undergraduates into meaningful real-world professional experiences.
Industry Experience for Business Students
- Micro-internships: The Badami Office of Experiential Learning connects small-project teams of students from the Leeds School of Business at CU Boulder with real businesses and nonprofits for 4-8 week consulting-style projects.
- First-Year Global Experience (FGX): FGX is a two-credit business elective for first-year students from the LEEDS School of Business that includes a week-long international experience during spring break or the May term. Students begin to develop a global mindset through understanding how international issues and cultural differences impact the business world.
Research & Innovation Opportunities for Undergraduates Across All Majors
- The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides up to $3,000 in direct cash stipends for CU Boulder undergraduates of any major to conduct or participate in independent research.
- NVC, or New Venture Challenge is CU Boulder’s campus-wide startup competition.
Capstone Projects at CU Boulder
Many CU Boulder academic departments require students to particpate in capstone courses during their senior year. Sponsored by outside organizations, these courses are designed around student projects, called capstone projects, that culminate in real-world deliverables and bridge the students’ learning with their future careers. Students receive mentorship from faculty and industry professionals, broadening their professional experience and contacts, while earning credit towards their degree. A few examples of the kinds of capstone projects CU Boulder students have undertaken in the past are:
- Computer Science Capstone Projects – Students work in teams and receive guidance from faculty to complete a 9-month, real-world software project for the sponsor. This allows the sponsor to develop a proof-of-concept for a computer product, a critical step toward building a working model and eventually launching for real users.
- Communication Capstone Projects – Students form in-class “agencies” that operate as teams focusing on the brand needs of real-world clients. Students are exposed to the process of working in an advertising, public relations or media design agency, taking on account management and creative roles to come up with, sell and execute real campaigns.
- Mechanical Engineering Capstone Projects – A small group of senior mechanical engineering students work together for a year to develop an active stabilization platform for a piece of federal agency research equipment so that it can be pointed vertically on both the deck of a research vessel and in the back of a pickup truck.
Study Abroad at CU Boulder
CU Boulder ranks 5th in the nation for student participation in their Education Abroad programs. With hundreds of programs that allow students to earn credits toward their degree in over 65 countries, it’s easy to see why Buffs often take advantage of the opportunity.
- CU Boulder is partnered with CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) for study abroad programs.
- Students can study abroad for a semester, a year, or 2-12 weeks during the summer.
- Students can choose from hundreds of pre-approved academic programs that fit specific majors, allowing them to earn credits toward graduation without falling behind.
- About 25% of applicants receive Buffs Abroad Scholarships, averaging over $2,000 per recipient.
- CU Boulder also offers targeted funding initiatives, such as $2,000 Explorer Scholarships for underrepresented regions (like Latin America) and subsidized programming for cohort communities (like Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program and Student Academic Success Center).
- CU Boulder provides several tailored global study pathways designed specifically for first-year students like CU Global Start that allows first-year students to begin their very first semester abroad.
How To Enroll in Study Abroad at CU Boulder
- Attend an “Abroad 101” advising session. Learn about program options, academics, costs, financial aid, scholarships, and more.
- Explore program options in more detail on the CU Boulder Education Abroad website. Narrow your list of possibilities by considering academic credits, course approvals, budget and the location experience.
- Book an appointment with an Ed Abroad advisor to discuss your academic and financial needs and to start an application.
- Get your passport. If you don’t have a valid passport, now is the time to order one as the process can take several weeks.
- Submit your program application by the deadline. Stay in touch with the Education Abroad office in case of deadline changes. Submit as early as possible.
Need Help Organizing the Study Abroad
Application Process?
Applying to the Education Abroad program at CU Boulder while keeping up with courses can be overwhelming for students who have difficulty with organization, time-management, and future planning. Executive function coaches from Collegiate Coaching Services (CCS) meet regularly with CU Boulder students to help them get organized and create a plan for completing coursework and meeting program application requirements and deadlines.
Flagship University, Small-School Touch
First-year students often worry about getting left behind at a large university. CU Boulder has solved this challenge by creating small, intentional communities within the broader campus ecosystem.
Residential Academic Programs and Living & Learning Communities
At CU Boulder, first-year students, (and in some cases, second-year students), can sign up to live in a Residential Academic Program (RAP) or a Living and Learning Community (LLC.) Both RAPs and LLCs are residence halls for students on similar academic tracks who share the same interests. These programs allow participants to begin building professional and academic connections from day one.
- Integrated Peer Networks: Students can choose from over 10 RAP areas of study and a dozen Living & Learning Communities, placing them alongside peers who share their academic goals, career ambitions, and creative interests. In this setting, spontaneous lounge meetups can turn into collaborative study groups, lab preparation sessions, or startup ideation meetings.
- Classes Held Right on the Ground Floor: RAP students attend smaller, foundational seminar courses directly inside their residence halls. These more intimate class environments are capped at roughly 25 students to foster deep discussion and direct faculty-student engagement.
- In-Building Mentorship & Advising: In RAP residence halls, program coordinators, academic advisors, and professors maintain offices on-site. First-year students get informal, immediate access to letters of recommendation, undergraduate research opportunity (UROP) connections, and internship opportunities without competing for standard office hours across campus.
Buffs Football Culture
CU Boulder football functions as the cultural and emotional rallying point for the campus and the broader Boulder community. A blend of unique traditions, local civic engagement, and heightened national visibility, Buffs football often factors heavily into students’ decision to attend CU Boulder.
- Ralphie the Live Buffalo: One of the most famous and thrilling live mascots in college sports, Ralphie leads the team onto Folsom Field, sprinting across the turf at speeds up to 25 mph before kickoff and after halftime. It is a signature rite of passage that electrifies both students and lifelong fans.
- The Pearl Street Stampedes: The night before home games, the Golden Buffalo Marching Band, Colorado spirit squads, and thousands of fans parade through historic downtown Boulder on the Pearl Street Mall. It’s a tradition that ties the university campus with local residents and downtown businesses.
- Folsom Field: Situated directly in the shadow of the Flatirons,
Folsom Field, where the Colorado Buffaloes play, offers one of the most picturesque settings in college football, making game days an outdoor celebration of Boulder lifestyle and spirit.
Need Help Navigating CU Boulder?
College can be especially challenging for students who have difficulty with organization, time-management and future planning. Many CU Boulder students find success working with an executive function coach at Collegiate Coaching Services (CCS.) Students working with CCS during freshman year of college achieve an average 3.08 GPA vs. an average 2.17 for those who don’t. And the tools we help students develop are tools they’ll use for a lifetime.
