University of Utah vs CU Boulder: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Utah and University of Colorado Boulder, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Utah vs CU Boulder at a glance
University of Utah admits 86% of applicants and CU Boulder 78.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $27,314 at University of Utah and $23,708 at CU Boulder. Six-year graduation rates are 66.3% and 74.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Utah admits 86% of applicants and CU Boulder 78.1%, so CU Boulder is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $27,314 a year at University of Utah and $23,708 at CU Boulder; CU Boulder costs $3,606 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $24,961 at University of Utah and $13,403 at CU Boulder.
- 66.3% of students graduate within six years at University of Utah, against 74.3% at CU Boulder.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $72,729 for University of Utah and $77,574 for CU Boulder; CU Boulder is $4,845 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $16,878 at University of Utah and $18,500 at CU Boulder.
- University of Utah enrolls 27,264 students (midsize city) and CU Boulder 31,939 (midsize city).
Side by side
University of Utah and CU Boulder 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 | University of Utah | CU Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 86% | 78.1% |
| Applicants | 18,302 | 54,756 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1190–1380 | 1240–1430 |
| ACT middle 50% | 22–29 | 29–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $27,314 | $23,708 |
| Tuition, in state | $9,832 | $17,513 |
| Tuition, out of state | $31,768 | $47,142 |
| Cost of attendance | $37,284 | $37,189 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $24,961 | $13,403 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $23,936 | $13,558 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $25,277 | $16,684 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $27,795 | $21,719 |
| Over $110,000 | $32,141 | $34,026 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 66.3% | 74.3% |
| First-year retention | 86.2% | 90.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $72,729 | $77,574 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $16,878 | $18,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $192 | $210 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 27,264 | 31,939 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
| Location | Salt Lake City, UT | Boulder, CO |
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
University of Utah reports 92 bachelor's programs and CU Boulder 69; 48 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Utah vs CU Boulder
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Utah or CU Boulder?
CU Boulder is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Utah admits 86% of applicants and CU Boulder admits 78.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Utah 1190–1380; CU Boulder 1240–1430.
Which is cheaper, University of Utah or CU Boulder?
CU Boulder has the lower average net price after grants: $27,314 a year at University of Utah against $23,708 at CU Boulder. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $24,961 and $13,403. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Utah or CU Boulder graduates earn more?
CU Boulder graduates earn more at the median: $72,729 ten years after entry for University of Utah and $77,574 for CU Boulder. Median federal debt at graduation is $16,878 and $18,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Utah or CU Boulder?
CU Boulder does: 66.3% of University of Utah students graduate within six years, against 74.3% at CU Boulder.
How big are University of Utah and CU Boulder?
University of Utah has 27,264 students in Salt Lake City, UT and CU Boulder has 31,939 students in Boulder, CO.