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Georgia Tech vs University of Colorado Boulder

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
80.0% CU Boulder acceptance
$41,768 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
CU Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
Public
Founded
1876
Enrollment
39,934
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $6,694
Georgia Tech
$33,794
CU Boulder
$40,488
Acceptance Rate Georgia Tech more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
CU Boulder
80.0%
Graduation Rate Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
90%
CU Boulder
74%
Avg SAT Score Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
1450
CU Boulder
1290
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
CU Boulder
$63,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech CU Boulder Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$40,488Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$13,590Georgia Tech
Room & Board$12,642$16,390Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate16.0%80.0%Georgia Tech
Graduation Rate90%74%Georgia Tech
Average SAT14501290Georgia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio15:118:1Georgia Tech
Enrollment47,28539,934-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$13,200Georgia Tech
Starting Salary$83,600$63,400Georgia Tech
Endowment$4.2B$2.2BGeorgia Tech
Campus Size400 acres600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
CU Boulder
$227,512
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | CU Boulder = $174,712. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

CU Boulder Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessPsychologyBiologyIntegrative Physiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
CU BoulderSuburban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
CU Boulder600 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
CU BoulderNCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
CU BoulderWest
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
CU Boulder1876
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
CU Boulder39,934

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or CU Boulder harder to get into?+
Georgia Tech is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or CU Boulder?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $227,512). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/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 Georgia Tech and CU Boulder?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech is 1450 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 Georgia Tech or CU Boulder graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 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?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 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 Georgia Tech and CU Boulder compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. CU Boulder is in Boulder, Colorado (suburban setting) with 600 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and CU Boulder in NCAA D1.