The University of Colorado Boulder ranks fifth among leading doctorate-granting institutions in the United States, providing semester-long study abroad opportunities to students, with 1,372 CU Boulder students participating in such programs in 2023–24. 

This is according to the 2025 Open Doors Report issued Nov. 17 by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

• In addition, CU Boulder ranks 13th in the nation for institutions awarding credit for study abroad, with 2,566 CU Boulder students receiving academic credit through study abroad programs in 2023–24, the most recent year for which study abroad data are available.

• CU Boulder continues to lead in Colorado on study abroad and international student enrollment, with 3,648 new and continuing international students enrolled in 2024–25, including optional practical training (OPT) participants; OPT provides eligible F-1 visa holders with temporary employment related to their field of study.

• Across the state of Colorado, 10,547 international students sought academic opportunities at higher education institutions in 2024–25, providing an estimated economic impact of nearly $410 million to the Centennial State.