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
CU Boulder gives you a solid financial return if you pick the right major, and a mediocre one if you don't. The median graduate earns $69,738 ten years out while carrying $19,500 in debt, so the typical outcome pays off without burying you. The 89% retention rate and 75% graduation rate mean you are likely to actually finish, which is where most college debt disasters start.
The payoff is concentrated in engineering and computer science. Computer Science bachelor's grads earn $75,921, roughly $6,000 above the school-wide median, and the debt tracks the median at $19,687. Aerospace engineering earns $71,255 but carries $24,500 in debt, the highest on the list, which fits a state where aerospace and defense employers cluster along the Front Range. Electrical engineering gives you the cleanest ratio: $71,957 earnings against just $19,221 debt.
The risk here is choosing a major outside these fields. Only bachelor-level engineering and computing programs are documented as top earners, so if you enroll in something else, you are betting on beating a $69,738 median without the data to back it up. That is the specific gamble at CU Boulder.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families and punish higher-income ones. Under $30k, you pay $11,251. over $110k, you pay $30,549, nearly triple. If your family earns above $110k, you are looking at roughly $122,000 over four years, and that math only works cleanly if you graduate into engineering or CS.
This school is a strong financial fit if you are heading into engineering, computer science, or aerospace, especially if your family income is under $48k. If you plan to major outside STEM and your family earns over $110k, look hard at whether the sticker price returns what you put in.
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.