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University of Colorado Boulder vs University of Georgia

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

80.0% CU Boulder acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$54,672 UGA cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

CU Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
Public
Founded
1876
Enrollment
39,934
Setting
Suburban
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $9,368
CU Boulder
$40,488
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate UGA more selective
CU Boulder
80.0%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate UGA higher
CU Boulder
74%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score UGA higher
CU Boulder
1290
UGA
1340
Starting Salary CU Boulder higher
CU Boulder
$63,400
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric CU Boulder UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$40,488$31,120UGA
Tuition (In-State)$13,590$12,080UGA
Room & Board$16,390$12,090UGA
Acceptance Rate80.0%39.0%UGA
Graduation Rate74%88%UGA
Average SAT12901340UGA
Student-Faculty Ratio18:117:1UGA
Enrollment39,93441,652-
Avg Financial Aid$13,200$12,980CU Boulder
Starting Salary$63,400$58,700CU Boulder
Endowment$2.2B$2.0BCU Boulder
Campus Size600 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

CU Boulder
$227,512
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: CU Boulder = $174,712 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

CU Boulder Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessPsychologyBiologyIntegrative Physiology

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
CU BoulderSuburban
UGASuburban
Campus Size
CU Boulder600 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
CU BoulderNCAA D1
UGANCAA D1
Region
CU BoulderWest
UGASouth
Founded
CU Boulder1876
UGA1785
Enrollment
CU Boulder39,934
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is CU Boulder or UGA harder to get into?+
UGA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 39.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, CU Boulder or UGA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $227,512). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. CU Boulder offers an average of $13,200/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for CU Boulder and UGA?+
The average SAT score at CU Boulder is 1290 and at UGA it is 1340. 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 CU Boulder or UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of CU Boulder have a higher average starting salary ($63,400 vs $58,700). 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?+
CU Boulder has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UGA has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do CU Boulder and UGA compare for campus life?+
CU Boulder is located in Boulder, Colorado (suburban setting) with a 600-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. CU Boulder competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.