CU Boulder vs Texas Tech University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Colorado Boulder and Texas Tech University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
CU Boulder vs Texas Tech University at a glance
CU Boulder admits 78.1% of applicants and Texas Tech University 72.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $23,708 at CU Boulder and $19,890 at Texas Tech University. Six-year graduation rates are 74.3% and 69.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- CU Boulder admits 78.1% of applicants and Texas Tech University 72.7%, so Texas Tech University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $23,708 a year at CU Boulder and $19,890 at Texas Tech University; Texas Tech University costs $3,818 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $13,403 at CU Boulder and $15,008 at Texas Tech University.
- 74.3% of students graduate within six years at CU Boulder, against 69.9% at Texas Tech University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $77,574 for CU Boulder and $67,143 for Texas Tech University; CU Boulder is $10,431 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,500 at CU Boulder and $19,500 at Texas Tech University.
- CU Boulder enrolls 31,939 students (midsize city) and Texas Tech University 32,394 (large city).
Side by side
CU Boulder and Texas Tech University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | CU Boulder | Texas Tech University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 78.1% | 72.7% |
| Applicants | 54,756 | 33,756 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1240–1430 | 1090–1280 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–33 | 23–28 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $23,708 | $19,890 |
| Tuition, in state | $17,513 | $11,852 |
| Tuition, out of state | $47,142 | $24,451 |
| Cost of attendance | $37,189 | $28,525 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $13,403 | $15,008 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,558 | $14,846 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,684 | $16,756 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $21,719 | $20,147 |
| Over $110,000 | $34,026 | $25,269 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 74.3% | 69.9% |
| First-year retention | 90.2% | 85% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $77,574 | $67,143 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $210 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 31,939 | 32,394 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Boulder, CO | Lubbock, TX |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
CU Boulder reports 69 bachelor's programs and Texas Tech University 79; 39 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about CU Boulder vs Texas Tech University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into CU Boulder or Texas Tech University?
Texas Tech University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: CU Boulder admits 78.1% of applicants and Texas Tech University admits 72.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: CU Boulder 1240–1430; Texas Tech University 1090–1280.
Which is cheaper, CU Boulder or Texas Tech University?
Texas Tech University has the lower average net price after grants: $23,708 a year at CU Boulder against $19,890 at Texas Tech University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $13,403 and $15,008. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do CU Boulder or Texas Tech University graduates earn more?
CU Boulder graduates earn more at the median: $77,574 ten years after entry for CU Boulder and $67,143 for Texas Tech University. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, CU Boulder or Texas Tech University?
CU Boulder does: 74.3% of CU Boulder students graduate within six years, against 69.9% at Texas Tech University.
How big are CU Boulder and Texas Tech University?
CU Boulder has 31,939 students in Boulder, CO and Texas Tech University has 32,394 students in Lubbock, TX.