The University of Colorado Boulder was founded in 1876, the same year Colorado became a state. It is part and parcel of the mountainous state, set against the Flatirons. Boulder is a large research university with roughly 31,000 undergraduates. Considered by many to be a “public Ivy,” it’s perhaps best known for its unparalleled relationship with NASA. It’s the number one public university recipient of NASA awards, with over 18 affiliated astronauts. The acceptance rate for CU Boulder’s Class of 2028 (the most recent data available) was 75.87%. 

That being said, what kind of GPA do you need to get into the University of Colorado Boulder? Let’s take a peek and see what the numbers are looking like, shall we? 

GPA Percentage of CU Boulder Class of 2029

The following is the GPA breakdown of the members of CU Boulder Class of 2029:

GPA	Percentage of University of Colorado Boulder Class of 2029
4.0	44%
3.75-3.99	23%
3.5-3.74	18%
3.25-3.49	10%
3.0-3.24	4%
2.5-2.99	2%
2.0-2.49	0%
1.0-1.99	0%

GPA Percentage of CU Boulder Class of 2028

The following is the GPA breakdown of the members of CU Boulder Class of 2028:

GPA	Percentage of University of Colorado Boulder Class of 2028
4.0	41%
3.75-3.99	21%
3.5-3.74	19%
3.25-3.49	11%
3.0-3.24	5%
2.5-2.99	3%
2.0-2.49	0%
1.0-1.99	0%

GPA Percentage of CU Boulder Class of 2027

The following is the GPA breakdown of the members of CU Boulder Class of 2027:

GPA	Percentage of University of Colorado Boulder Class of 2027
4.0	34%
3.75-3.99	30%
3.5-3.74	18%
3.25-3.49	14%`
3.0-3.24	9%
2.5-2.99	5%
2.0-2.49	<1%
1.0-1.99	0%

Further Context on GPAs of University of Colorado Students

Let’s break those numbers down a bit more. 44% of the CU Boulder Class of 2029 had a perfect GPA. Well over half of the class (67%) were top GPA earners at their high schools, breaking the 3.75 mark. For the Class of 2028, the story was similar. 41% of students enrolled at CU Boulder were 4.0-ers. And 62% had a GPA of 3.75 or higher. The Class of 2027 had a tiny bit of a lower overall average. That year, only 34% of enrolled students had perfect GPAs at their high schools, 10% lower than the incoming first-year class two years later. Still, 64% of the class had GPAs of 3.75 or higher. 

All this is well and good to know, but statistics like this only tell us so much. For example, like many state schools, CU Boulder’s acceptance rates differ for in-state applicants and out-of-state applicants. For the Class of 2029, the acceptance rate was 84% for in-state applicants, but only 65% for those applying from elsewhere. 

But that’s just one plot twist. The University of Colorado Boulder does often reject some applicants with stellar grades and standout test scores. This is why we decline to answer parents who share their child’s GPA during complimentary consultations with Ivy Coach, as though numbers alone are a crystal ball that can foresee their child’s chances of getting into CU Boulder. Without context, including the high school attended, the rigor of the student’s coursework, their extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, etc., the answer would be meaningless. 

Boulder, like most good schools, doesn’t just want kids with spotless report cards. If they did, the admissions committee’s job would be easy, and they could fill their halls with dull, regurgitating automatons. Boulder also cares about personal integrity, special achievements, and students who are going to leave a lasting mark on their campus. 

Can Students Get into the CU Boulder with a Low GPA?

The short answer: while it’s possible, it’s unlikely. It’s important to remember that many students accepted without exceptional grades have statuses that merit special consideration; they might be recruited athletes or parents who have made huge donations. And, obviously, Colorado residents will have an easier time. 

The University of Colorado Boulder has a holistic admissions review. They’re not just looking at numbers. They’re looking at the student. They want to know who they’re inviting into their home. 

How Ivy Coach Can Help Your Child’s Chances at the University of Colorado Boulder

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into the University of Colorado Boulder, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into CU Boulder, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.  To learn more about Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll contact you.