Based on 2019–20 rates
Fees support student services, student activities, technology and capital construction for academic buildings. They are charged per semester based on your degree, the number of credit hours/classes you enroll in and the session type. Additional charges and fees you'll see on the bill may include health insurance, on-campus room and board, parking permits, residential academic programs (RAP) and optional fees. If you have questions about fees not listed here, contact the appropriate department directly. Mandatory fees are indicated in the descriptions below.
- A&S Tech (ASSET) Fee $1.32 per credit hour per semester
- Arts & Cultural Enrichment Fee $10 per semester
- Athletic Fee $28.50 per semester
- BuffCare Supplement $225 per semester (starting Fall 2019)
- Business Career Center Fee $23 per semester
- Campus Care Health Plan $175 per semester (through Summer 2019)
- Capital Construction Fee $61.30 or $122.60 per semester
- Career Services Fee $12 per semester
- Fall Student Fees
- Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) $1,874 per semester (beginning Fall 2019)
- Housing & Meals per semester
- Immigration Compliance Fee $40 per semester
- Law Graduation Fee $40 per semester
- Law Student Services Fee $150 per semester
- Mental Health Resource Fee $67.86 per semester
- New International Student Fee (one-time)
- New Student Fee (one-time)
- RAP Fee $850
- Recreation Center Expansion Fee $85.27 or $106.96 per semester
- Spring Student Fees
- Student Activity Fee (Fall/Spring Student Fees) $48.01 or $276.31 per semester
- Student Bus & Bike Programs $93.42 per semester
- Student Computing Fee $33.62, $67.24 per semester
- Student Health Fee $94.27 per semester
- Student Information System Fee $7 per semester
The ASSET Fee is a mandatory fee charged to students taking classes in the College of Arts & Sciences regardless of school/program/degree. It supports development and delivery of instruction in the College of Arts & Sciences. (Approved by the Board of Regents in 2008.)
The Arts & Cultural Enrichment Fee is mandatory fee for all students. It supports on-campus performing arts and provides no-charge or reduced-cost admission for students to museums, performances, etc. (Student-supported, approved by administration and Board of Regents in 1995.)
The Athletic Fee is a mandatory fee for undergraduate students. Students enrolled in 3 or fewer credit hours and graduate students do not pay the Athletic Fee. It supports quality intercollegiate athletics programs and reduces student ticket prices. (Not charged during the summer; originally mandated by Board of Regents in 1980; eliminated for graduate and law students effective Fall 2018.)
Designed specifically for students with private health insurance coverage, the BuffCare Supplement helps cover out-of-pocket expenses for medical services provided on campus after your primary insurance has been billed. This includes services provided at Wardenburg Health Center and at Health and Wellness Services in the Village Center at Williams Village. (Effective Fall 2019)
The Business Career Center Fee is mandatory for undergraduate and graduate students admitted to Leeds School of Business.
Discontinued
The Capital Construction Fee is mandatory fee for all students. It supports five capital construction projects: Law school, ATLAS, business school, IT infrastructure and visual arts. Twenty percent of the revenue will be allocated to need-based financial aid. (Student bill passed in 2004; effective Fall 2006.)
- $61.30 for 6 or fewer credit hours
- $122.60 for 7 or more
The Career Services fee is a mandatory fee charged to Boulder campus, degree-seeking students except law JD students and Graduate Status D students (doctoral candidates). It provides students with help deciding on a major, professional career counseling, a resource center, skills presentations, video practice interviews, recommendation files, online listings of internship and career opportunities, on-campus interviewing, career and internship fairs and more. This fee is not charged during the summer. (Board of Regents approved in 2001. Increased from $9 to $12 effective Fall 2014.) Learn more about Career Services.
See Student Activity Fee.
Students registered for 6 or more undergraduate credit hours or 1 or more graduate credit hours are automatically enrolled in the Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Learn more about CU's health insurance requirement.
SHIP is a comprehensive insurance plan for CU Boulder students. The plan provides a full year of coverage for services on campus through CU Boulder Medical Services and Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), as well as medical care received locally and nationally. If you have your own insurance, you can select the BuffCare Supplement. Select or waive your insurance by the deadline published by Health and Wellness Services.
On-campus housing and meal rates are charged per student and per semester. For more information, visit Room Types & Rates.
The Immigration Compliance Fee is mandatory for international students. It funds mandatory federal compliance reporting. It is nonrefundable if the student withdraws during the period when withdrawal processing fees apply. (Board of Regents approved in 2003. Increased from $22 to $40 effective Fall 2014.)
The Law Graduation Fee is mandatory for law students. It covers costs of the graduation recognition ceremony and reception for law students who have successfully completed Colorado Law’s three-year program.
The Law Student Services fee is mandatory for law students excluding LLM and MSL. It covers costs incurred by various student organizations and activities, including competitions, journals, guest speakers, attendance at regional and national student organization meetings and other activities; use of fees is determined by the student-led Student Fee Committee, which is comprised mostly of students.
The Mental Health Resource Fee is a mandatory fee charged to most students (undergraduate students taking more than one class or one class of more than 5 credit hours; all graduate students status A, B, C, E, law and MBA regardless of credit hour enrollment; and graduate students Status D if selecting the Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)).
Students receive six mental health visits for this fee through Health and Wellness Services including individual counseling, group therapy and medication management. For most students (excluding Graduate Status D), the health insurance selection does not affect this fee; it is charged even if health insurance is waived.
This fee is charged even if health insurance is waived.
The New Student Fee for international students is a mandatory, one-time, nonrefundable fee assessed at the time of first registration for international students entering a program. Nondegree students who are admitted to degree status are charged the New International Student Fee at the time they first register. This fee is nonrefundable and is due even if a student withdraws. (Increased from $225 to $500 ($105 to $145 for graduate students) effective Fall 2014.)
The New Student Fee of $500 for international undergraduates is made up of the following:
- Buff OneCard $21
- Immunization reporting management $6
- International student support programs $268
- Registration and records services $35
- New Student Welcome programs $100
- Forever Buffs alumni membership $70
The New Student Fee of $145 for international graduate students is made up of the following:
- Buff OneCard $21
- Immunization reporting management $6
- International student support programs $83
- Registration and records services $35
The New Student Fee is a mandatory, one-time, nonrefundable fee assessed at the time of first registration for domestic students entering a program. Nondegree students who are admitted to degree status are charged the New Student Fee at the time they first register. This fee is nonrefundable and is due even if a student withdraws. (Increased from $182 to $232 effective Spring 2018.)
The New Student Fee of $232 for undergraduates is made up of the following:
- Buff OneCard $21
- Immunization reporting management $6
- Registration and records services $35
- New Student Welcome programs $100
- Forever Buffs alumni membership $70
The New Student Fee of $62 for graduate students is made up of the following:
- Buff OneCard $21
- Immunization reporting management $6
- Registration and records services $35
The Residential Academic Program (RAP) Fee is an optional fee charged once per year to undergraduate students living on campus
RAPs provide an academic environment that is integrated directly into the residence hall living experience. The students in the program live together in the same hall, participate in seminar classes in-hall and have access to faculty offices there and engage in community activities that reinforce the academic theme. For more information, visit Get Involved at the Housing & Dining Services website.
The Recreation Center Expansion Fee is a mandatory fee charged to all undergraduate and graduate students (except Graduate Status D). This fee was voted on and passed by the student body in 2011 to support the Recreation Center expansion. Paying full Fall/Spring Student Fees as well as the full Rec Center Expansion Fee gives students access to the on-campus recreation center at no additional cost.
The rec center houses state-of-the art cardio equipment, aerobic studio, indoor climbing wall, free-weight room, pool, ice arena, indoor running track and much more. Students taking one class of 5 or fewer credit hours pay $85.27 for the construction bonds for debt services portion of the fee; students taking more than one class or one class of more than 5 credit hours pay $106.96 for the construction bonds and operation costs for the expanded facilities.
- $85.27 (base fee) for enrollment in one class of 5 or fewer credit hours
- $106.96 (full fee) for enrollment in more than one class, any number of hours
- $106.96 (full fee) for enrollment in one class of more than 5 hours
See Student Activity Fee.
The Student Activity Fee is a mandatory fee for students depending on the number of credit hours/classes in which they are enrolled.
- $48.01 (base fees) for enrollment in one class of 5 or fewer credit hours
- $276.31 (full fees) for enrollment in more than one class, any number of hours
- $276.31 (full fees) for enrollment in one class of more than 5 hours
The University of Colorado Student Government (CUSG) may charge fees for permanent CUSG student activities including but not limited to the student center, student government operations, student activities, physical recreation and similar facilities and services. For more information, visit CUSG Student Fees Breakdown.
| Department | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Center for Student Involvement | A CU Student Government department where student groups and organizations can receive advising, financial guidance, programming and event support, and leadership development; coordinates programs and involvement opportunities to engage students in campus life; created in 2014 by combining the Student Organizations Finance Office (SOFO) with the Student Involvement, Activities and Leadership Development Office (SIALDO). | 7.83% |
| CU Colleges and Schools | Provides operating funds to individual college student governments. | 1.11% |
| Cultural Events Board | Student-run organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness on Boulder campus through wide variety of cultural programming since 1974. Student supported, administration and Board of Regents approved, 1974 to present. | 2.75% |
| CU Student Government | Makes policy and budget decisions, and is an advocate for students on campus, throughout the CU system, and at the state and national levels of government. Student run, Chancellor and Board of Regents approved. | 3.45% |
| Distinguished Speakers Board | Obtain speakers of the highest caliber who will intellectually stimulate the student body and surrounding communities. | .86% |
| Environmental Center | Student-run resource center encouraging environmental involvement of the campus community. Promotes alternative transportation, water and energy conservation, and responsible resource use by students, faculty and staff. Begun by students after the first Earth Day. In 1976 CU Recycling was initiated, and the Environmental Center began receiving CU student government funding. CU Recycling began the new partnership in 1992. It is the largest campus recycling operation in the U.S. | 6.96% |
| KVCU | Radio station serving campus and surrounding community; 24 hours news, weather, sports, and music; provides 100–150 volunteers with experiences in radio, production, advertising, marketing, business, and management. | .77% |
| Legal Services | Provides direct legal services (e.g. counseling, negotiation, document preparation and in-court representation) to fee-paying students. Student supported, administration and Board of Regents approved. | 1.79% |
| Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations |
Maintains listings of rooms, houses, and apartments for rent in Boulder community, and lists of students looking for roommates; offers advice about leases, security deposits, how to avoid landlord tenant problems. Student supported, administration and Board of Regents approved. | 2.37% |
| Outdoor recreation facilities | Provides the necessary funding for improvements of outdoor recreation facilities. | 3.89% |
| Recreation Center | Meets group and individual recreation needs of campus. Jointly governed by CU student government and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs with Board of Regents approval. The fee increase for the rec center expansion that was approved by student votes in 2011 effective spring 2014 is listed separately under Student Fees as Rec Center Expansion Fee. | 21.35% |
| Student Organization Allocations Committee | Viewpoint neutral funding board for student groups and events. | 1.21% |
| Supplemental Large Capital Account | Description coming soon | 1.04% |
| Supplemental Small Capital Account | For purchase of CUSG cost center physical resources with a useful life of more than one year and do not meet the university’s definition of a capital asset. | 0.10% |
| Uncollectible | Bad debt expense. | 0.08% |
| University Memorial Center | Provides central location for variety of educational and out-of-classroom activities. Jointly governed by CUSG and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs with Board of Regents approval. | 41.95% |
| Volunteer Resource Center | Works with non-profit agencies in Boulder community, and with CU student government and student groups on campus as a volunteer placement agency. Student supported, administration and Board of Regents approved. | 2.47% |
| Department | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Center Fields | Provides the necessary funding for improvements of outdoor recreation facilities. | 77.60% |
| UMC Expansion Bond | The Series 2002A Bonds were issued under the authority of and pursuant to Article 56 of Title 11, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, the Enterprise Act and the Research Building Fund Act. Bond proceeds were used for the renovation, expansion and maintenance of the University Memorial Center facility. | 22.40% |
The Student Bus & Bike Programs Fee is a mandatory fee for all students, which allows for unlimited use of public transportation (Student RTD Pass) including light rail in Boulder County, Broomfield, Westminster and Denver. It also includes airport service to Denver International Airport (DIA). It does not includes special services such as Broncos Ride and Rockies Ride. This fee also supports Night Hop Shuttle connecting The Hill area to downtown Boulder; Day Hop, Stampede, Skip and others.
It also provides support to the CU Boulder Bicycle Program and includes bike registration and emergency repair, maintenance clinics, rental of Buff Bikes and more. (Student-initiated, administration and Board of Regents approved in 1991.)
The Student Computing Fee is a mandatory fee for students based on the number of credit hours in which they are enrolled. It is used for building, maintaining, expanding and updating computing labs, and providing all students with access to computing accounts including email, the internet, etc. (Originated in 1990. Student- and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs-supported with approval of Board of Regents.)
- $33.62 for enrollment in 6 or fewer credit hours
- $67.24 for enrollment in 7 or more
The Student Health Fee is a mandatory fee charged to most students (undergraduate students taking more than one class or one class of more than 5 credit hours; all graduate students Status A, B, C, E, law and MBA regardless of credit hour enrollment; and graduate students Status D if selecting the student gold insurance plan).
This fee partially supports the operations of Health and Wellness Services as well as campuswide public health efforts such as emergency planning, infection surveillance, immunization compliance and health education. This fee also provides access to all services at the health centers as well as free services including flu shots, injury screening and nutrition consultation. For most students (excluding Graduate Status D), the health insurance selection does not affect this fee.
This fee is charged even if health insurance is waived.
- $0 for enrollment in one class of 5 or fewer credit hours
- $94.27 for enrollment in more than one class, any number of hours
- $94.27 for enrollment in one class of more than 5 hours
The Student Information System Fee is a mandatory fee charged to all students for maintenance and upkeep of four-campus student online computer systems (each campus of the four-campus system contributes to this support). Administration and Board of Regents approved in 1984.