The Campus Budget Allocation Model

A model built by CU Boulder, for CU Boulder.

In 2022, campus members including faculty, staff, deans and administrators, budget leaders, and student leaders co-designed a budget allocation model that serves as a tool to support our mission as a comprehensive public teaching and research university. 

To ensure the budget allocation model operates as intended, even amid changing financial landscapes, the model design includes a formal review process every 3-5 years. The first model design review was launched in fall 2025 and completed in June 2026.  

We invite you to learn more about the CU Boulder budget allocation model, how it works, and what refinements were implemented as a result of the first formal review. 

Annual Budget Model Allocations (current and historical) and budget model driver data are available in the Budget Overview section of our website. CU Boulder sign-in is required.

Engage With Us

2026 Campus Budget Town Hall 

Mark your calendar for November 10 at 2:00 p.m. and join us for a virtual campus budget town hall. This session will provide updates on the campus budget and offer an opportunity to learn more about upcoming priorities and ask questions. Registration is required. Use your identikey@colorado.edu email when registering. We hope you'll join us.

Send questions to budgetmodel@colorado.edu.

Learn about CU Boulder’s Budget

Click through an interactive flowchart to learn more about how the budget is allocated, the reasons behind budget model decisions, and the potential impacts of the new budget model components.

Explore the Interactive Budget Allocation Model Flowchart 

 

How CU’s Budget Works

CU Budget Map video with play button icon

In this video, you'll learn about the University of Colorado budget – from sources of funding to the differences between the four campuses that make up the University System.

Watch the video