What Makes Us Boulder

The only place where you can Be Boulder — and a Buff.


The University of Colorado Boulder is Colorado’s leading public research university, transforming lives since 1876. As Colorado’s flagship public research university, CU Boulder has helped shape the state’s economic, scientific and cultural landscape for 150 years. CU Boulder is one of only 38 U.S. public research institutions in the Association of American Universities (AAU), CU Boulder has proudly served Coloradans since the state's founding.

Home to five Nobel Laureates since 1989 and the only university to send space instruments to every planet in the solar system, CU Boulder provides a strong return on investment by aligning efforts to achieve research and creative excellence, global sustainability impact and the success of all students, faculty and staff. Learn more.

 

 

Be Boulder Pact saves students millions annually in fees.

 

 

$740M+ in research funding in FY 2023–24, supporting breakthroughs in aerospace, quantum science, climate resilience, biosciences, AI and the arts.

 

 

Climate Action Plan targets 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

What makes us Boulder?

  • More students than ever before are finding the support they need to stay in college and graduate, no matter their background. We’re working hard to make sure everyone continues to have the same opportunities to reach their goals.
  • We’re setting new goals to reduce our total cost of attendance, invest in new housing in and around Boulder and enhance belonging on campus.
  • We’re improving learning and career opportunities through professional development, support services and hands-on experiences in research and creative work.
  • In 2024, CU Boulder started 35 new companies based on university research —the second-highest number ever recorded in the country.
  • For 75 years, our faculty and students have been creating technologies for the U.S. Space Program and training future space explorers.
  • In the Western U.S. and around the world, CU Boulder research teams are preparing communities and their water systems for droughts.
  • We want to help every community enjoy access to clean air, fresh water, abundant food and a vibrant natural environment—the necessities for building a happy, healthy life.
  • We’re decarbonizing our campus because we know impact is greatest when we all participate.
  • We’re teaming up with local communities to prove that being sustainable has practical benefits and creates a stronger economy.
fans cheering at CU football game
150 years anniversary type treatment

150th Anniversary

In 2026, CU Boulder marks its 150th anniversary, a milestone that highlights its deep roots in Colorado’s history and its ongoing impact on the state and beyond. The university is planning a yearlong celebration of 150 years of transforming lives, including storytelling projects, historical exhibits and community events. 

Chancellor Justin Schwartz shares, “150 years ago, CU Boulder’s founders dreamed of a university that would transform lives and strengthen society. If they could see the university today, I think they would be awestruck by the influence and impact this campus holds for students, staff and faculty, alumni and all of Colorado.”

Learn More

CU Boulder is open to everyone 

   Cheer on the Buffs! 

Watch our amazing Division I athletes compete in football, basketball, volleyball and more at unforgettable athletic events.

Athletics Calendar

  Check out events

CU Boulder hosts many activities year round from world-class speakers to live performance to community engagement activities. 

Events Calendar

  Explore the cosmos

Visit to Fiske Planetarium to enjoy immersive shows that bring the wonders of space and science to life in a captivating dome experience.

Upcoming Shows

  Take a self-guided tour

Take a self-guided campus tour to learn more about everything CU Boulder has to offer and the explore the beautiful campus grounds. 

Campus Map