University of Colorado Boulder: what international applicants need

What are University of Colorado Boulder's application deadlines for 2026–27?

University of Colorado Boulder has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Action on November 15, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 15, 2027.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is University of Colorado Boulder's acceptance rate?

78.1% for students who started in fall 2024: University of Colorado Boulder admitted 52,539 of its 67,286 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does University of Colorado Boulder require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. University of Colorado Boulder is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Action deadline (November 15, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 15, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for University of Colorado Boulder?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 610–720 in Math and 630–710 in Reading and Writing (18% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 29–33.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is University of Colorado Boulder's application fee for international students?

University of Colorado Boulder's application fee is $70 for international applicants: $5 more than the $65 US applicants pay.

Does University of Colorado Boulder accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. University of Colorado Boulder accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does University of Colorado Boulder accept?

University of Colorado Boulder doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does University of Colorado Boulder require?

University of Colorado Boulder requires one teacher recommendation for 2026–27.

• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does University of Colorado Boulder require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. University of Colorado Boulder requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does University of Colorado Boulder have?

833 of University of Colorado Boulder's 32,244 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 2.6%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does University of Colorado Boulder cost for international students?

University of Colorado Boulder is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $44,918 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $15,666). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $18,468. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $67,708 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does University of Colorado Boulder give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2024-25, University of Colorado Boulder gave institutional scholarships or grants to 173 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2024-25 Source