Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
CMU
$317,480
4-year total (private)
VS
CU Boulder
$227,512
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: CMU = $153,600 | CU Boulder = $174,712. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
CMU Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessInformation SystemsMathematicsCU Boulder Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessPsychologyBiologyIntegrative Physiology
Need Help Choosing Between CMU & CU Boulder?
Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.
Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation
✓ Expert admissions advisors
✓ No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CMU or CU Boulder harder to get into?+
CMU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, CMU or CU Boulder?+
At sticker price, CU Boulder costs less over 4 years ($227,512 vs $317,480). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. CMU offers an average of $40,970/year in aid while CU Boulder offers $13,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for CMU and CU Boulder?+
The average SAT score at CMU is 1530 and at CU Boulder it is 1290. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do CMU or CU Boulder graduates earn more?+
Graduates of CMU have a higher average starting salary ($97,200 vs $63,400). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
CMU has a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio while CU Boulder has 18:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do CMU and CU Boulder compare for campus life?+
CMU is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 155-acre campus. CU Boulder is in Boulder, Colorado (suburban setting) with 600 acres. CMU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and CU Boulder in NCAA D1.