Published: Sept. 13, 2019

More women, first-generation scholars and students of color will pursue their academic and career goals at CU Boulder this fall, according to preliminary 2019 fall enrollment data shared with the CU Board of Regents this week.

CU Boulder affordability measures

Affordability measures include: the elimination of all undergraduate course and program fees; a four-year lock on tuition for entering undergraduate students; automatic scholarships for academically qualified Colorado resident students; scholarships for academically qualified transfer students; and scholarships and grants for low-income students.

This year’s incoming class of first-year students is one of the most diverse in university history, with more than 28% identifying as students of color and 16% as first-generation scholars. Total enrollment for students of color—those who identify as African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American and Native Pacific Islander—is more than 7,800, up 7% from fall 2018. In addition, the campus is welcoming more first-year female students—49%—than at any other time in its history.

Final census numbers will be released in late September, but preliminary data indicate that total fall enrollment is up 3.3% with strong enrollment growth in graduate programs, up 2.8% from last year. Contributing factors to these positive trends include the university’s ongoing affordability initiatives, strong academic programs and undergraduate and graduate research opportunities that continue to draw talented students from all walks of life.

“These are all encouraging signs that Colorado families recognize the value of higher education and the value of a CU Boulder degree,” said Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano. “CU Boulder is among the nation’s top public research universities and is the state’s flagship academic institution, and we are grateful that students and their families continue to embrace the educational and career opportunities we offer.”

Kelly Fox, executive vice chancellor and chief operating officer, said, “Our four-year tuition guarantee for entering first-year students remains a powerful pull for Colorado and other families who are seeking a high return on their investment in their children’s education.”

As is the case with most American colleges, international enrollment continues to decline. This fall, total international student enrollment is down more than 6% from last year.