University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · founded 1876 · 39,000 students · public research university · Pac-12 Conference

Known for: A leading public research university renowned for its stunning mountain setting, strong programs in environmental science and aerospace engineering, and vibrant, active student culture.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #105
QS World: #230
Times Higher Education: #147
ARWU Shanghai: #51
Forbes: #101

Top programmes

Aerospace Engineering
Environmental Science
Physics
Business
Creative Writing
Computer Science

Notable alumni

Robert Redford — Academy Award-winning actor and director
Ellison Onizuka — Astronaut, first Asian American in space
Trey Parker — Co-creator of 'South Park'
Kristen Schaal — Actress and comedian ('The Last Man on Earth', 'Bob's Burgers')
Bradford Parkinson — Co-inventor of the Global Positioning System (GPS)
Michele Muska — Renowned yoga instructor and author
Gordon Allott — Former U.S. Senator from Colorado
David Grinspoon — Astrobiologist and author

Traditions

Ralphie's Run (football game entrance)
Conference on World Affairs
CU Pause (campus-wide break)
Norlin Library Chimes

If University of Colorado Boulder were…

As a food: Rocky Mountain Oysters — Like this frontier delicacy, CU Boulder combines rugged outdoor sensibility with surprising sophistication - what looks like rough mountain culture conceals elite research credentials.
As an athlete: Mikaela Shiffrin — Like the Colorado skiing phenom, CU Boulder balances world-class technical precision with effortless grace in extreme environments, dominating both academic slopes and mountain recreation.
As a person alive today: Jon Krakauer — Like the investigative mountaineer writer, CU Boulder blends intellectual rigor with physical adventure, producing graduates who analyze complex systems while summiting literal and metaphorical peaks.
As a historical figure: John Wesley Powell — Like the one-armed Civil War veteran who first navigated the Colorado River, CU Boulder pioneers exploration of uncharted territories - from quantum physics to climate science - while embracing the rugged West.
As a movie or TV show: The Martian — Like Ridley Scott's survival epic, CU Boulder specializes in solving extreme environmental problems through brilliant improvisation and STEM ingenuity, with a backdrop of stunning but hostile landscapes.
As a US president: Theodore Roosevelt — Like the conservationist Rough Rider president, CU Boulder combines elite intellectualism with rugged physicality, preserving natural wonders while aggressively pursuing progress and national leadership.
As a city: Zurich — Like the Swiss financial hub nestled in the Alps, CU Boulder pairs world-class research institutions with immediate access to outdoor paradise, creating a brainy yet athletic elite who work and play at altitude.
As an element: Beryllium — Like this lightweight but incredibly strong element used in aerospace applications, CU Boulder combines surprising density of achievement with flexibility, excelling where high performance meets extreme environments.
As a car: Subaru Outback Wilderness — Boulder's crunchy-outdoorsy ethos meets serious capability—equally at home on Pearl Street or a trailhead, with just enough premium polish to justify the out-of-state sticker price. It's the official vehicle of REI parki

Campus life

The campus buzzes with an outdoorsy, energetic vibe. Students are heavily involved in hiking, skiing, and sustainability initiatives. Social life revolves around campus events, the lively Pearl Street Mall, and a mix of Greek life and independent activities.