Academic Comparison between Stanford University and CU Boulder

Stanford University and University of Colorado Boulder are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Stanford University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Stanford, CA and CU Boulder is a four-year, public school located in Boulder, CO.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Stanford University is a private (not-for-profit) and CU Boulder is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Stanford University has more expensive tuition & fees ($62,484) than CU Boulder ($41,943).
  • It is harder to admit to Stanford University than CU Boulder.
  • Stanford University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,550) than CU Boulder (1,330).
  • Stanford University has higher submitted ACT score (35) than CU Boulder (31).
  • CU Boulder has more students with 39,585 students while Stanford University has 18,283 students.
  • Stanford University has a lower number of students per faculty with 5 to 1 while CU Boulder's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Stanford University has more full-time faculties with 3,724 faculties while CU Boulder has 1,711 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Stanford Universityvs.University of Colorado Boulder
Stanford, CaliforniaLocationBoulder, Colorado
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$62,4842024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,556
Out-Of-State$41,943
63%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$56,737Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,017
4.00 %Acceptance Rates83.00 %
81.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.00 %
1,550SAT Score1,330
35ACT Score31
95 %Graduation Rate74 %
-Transfer-out Rate15 %
98 %Retention Rate88 %
18,283Student Population39,585
3,724Number of Faculties1,711
5 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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