At $21,480/yr net price, University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn $69,738/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $35,738/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,480 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,920 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,738/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$35,738/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,251/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,545/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,204/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,247/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,549/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Master | $116,679 | |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Doctoral | $97,071 | |
| Computer Science. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $93,342 | |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Master | $89,641 | $41,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $83,177 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,503 | $41,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $75,921 | $19,687 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $75,706 | $41,000 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,204 | $23,338 |
The Risk Factor
75.0% of students at University of Colorado Boulder graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Colorado Boulder delivers solid financial returns for STEM majors but weaker outcomes for other fields. Your career path determines whether this school makes financial sense.
Engineering students see strong payoffs here. General engineering graduates earn $116,679 annually, while aerospace engineering produces $97,071 earners with manageable debt loads. Computer science and electrical engineering also deliver strong returns above $90,000. Boulder's location near Denver's growing tech corridor and aerospace industry creates natural pipeline opportunities for these majors.
The financial picture dims for liberal arts and social science majors. While the school's overall median earnings of $69,738 look respectable, this number gets inflated by high-earning engineers. Non-STEM graduates often struggle to justify the $21,480 annual net price given Colorado's competitive job market for these fields.
Boulder presents unusual financial aid challenges. Only 14.77% of students receive need-based aid, well below national averages for public universities. This means most families pay closer to full price. Out-of-state students face particularly steep costs with limited merit scholarship opportunities.
The 25% non-graduation rate creates financial risk. Students who don't complete degrees still carry debt averaging $19,500 with no degree to show for it. Boulder's party school reputation contributes to academic struggles for some students.
You should choose Boulder if you plan to study engineering, computer science, or related technical fields and can handle the social distractions. The location premium pays off for STEM careers. Look elsewhere if you're pursuing humanities, communications, or social sciences, where less expensive Colorado State options deliver similar outcomes at lower cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Colorado Boulder worth the cost for most students?
CU Boulder offers decent value with a net price of $21,480 and median debt of $19,500, but the 10-year median earnings of $69,738 are only moderate. The ROI depends heavily on your major, with engineering programs significantly outperforming liberal arts.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Colorado Boulder?
Engineering programs at CU Boulder deliver the strongest returns, with general engineering graduates earning $116,679 and aerospace engineering reaching $97,071 within 10 years. Computer science and electrical engineering also exceed $90,000, making these programs worth the investment.
How much debt do University of Colorado Boulder graduates typically have?
CU Boulder graduates leave with a median debt of $19,500, which is relatively manageable compared to many universities. This debt level is reasonable for engineering and computer science majors but may be harder to repay for lower-earning majors.
Does University of Colorado Boulder have good financial aid?
With a net price of $21,480 per year, CU Boulder's financial aid brings costs down from the full sticker price, though it's still expensive for a public university. The 80% acceptance rate means merit aid is limited since the school isn't highly selective.