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Boulder, Colorado · Public, city campus

University of Colorado Boulder SAT & ACT scores

Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% of about 1240-1430. Their ACT composite middle 50% was 29-33. University of Colorado Boulder admitted 78% of applicants and considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional).

SAT middle 50%
1240-1430
ACT middle 50%
29-33
Acceptance rate
78%
Test policy, fall 2024
Test-optional
Undergraduates
31,939

Quick answer

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

There is no published minimum. Aim for 1430 or higher to sit in the top quarter of University of Colorado Boulder's SAT submitters; 1240 marks the bottom quarter. Its SAT midpoint is higher than at 84% of the 902 colleges in this directory that report SAT scores.

Score check

Where does your score land at University of Colorado Boulder?

The middle 50% describes enrolled students who chose to submit scores, so test-optional colleges can show higher ranges than their full class. Scores are one part of an application.

Fall 2024 entering class

University of Colorado Boulder SAT and ACT score ranges

Score percentiles of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores
Measure25th percentile50th percentile75th percentile
SAT Reading and Writing630670710
SAT Math610670720
SAT total (estimated)124013401430
ACT composite293133

The two sections are balanced: the top quarter starts at 710 in Reading and Writing and 720 in Math, and neither section's middle 50% spans more than 110 points.

College Scorecard's SAT-equivalent average for admitted students is 1357.

Testing policy

Does University of Colorado Boulder require the SAT or ACT?

Reported for fall 2024: Test-optional

University of Colorado Boulder told the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional) for students entering in fall 2024.

Check the current cycle

Many colleges have changed testing rules since 2024, and several now require scores again. Confirm the policy for your application year on University of Colorado Boulder's website before deciding whether to submit.

Beyond scores

Cost and outcomes at University of Colorado Boulder

In-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
$15,666
Out-of-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
$44,918
Average net price after aid (2023-24)
$25,346
First-year retention rate
90%
Graduation rate within 6 years
74%
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$69,738

Compare

Colleges with similar score ranges

University of ConnecticutCT · SAT 1210-1440Drexel UniversityPA · SAT 1240-1440University of Alabama at BirminghamAL · SAT 1210-1450Touro UniversityNY · SAT 1218-1453Emerson CollegeMA · SAT 1270-1420College of the Holy CrossMA · SAT 1240-1410

Similar colleges in Colorado

Colorado CollegeSAT 1230-1460United States Air Force AcademySAT 1230-1440University of DenverSAT 1240-1410Colorado School of MinesSAT 1320-1480Western Colorado UniversitySAT 1163-1353University of Colorado Colorado SpringsSAT 1010-1220

Browse all Colorado colleges by SAT score, colleges for a 1250 SAT or a 1450 SAT, or colleges for a 29 ACT.

Plan your prep

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What is a good SAT score?Build your SAT study planSAT section-score goal plannerScore Choice and superscoring

FAQ

University of Colorado Boulder admissions questions

What SAT score do you need to get into University of Colorado Boulder?

University of Colorado Boulder does not publish a minimum SAT score. Among enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024, the middle 50% scored between 1240 and 1430 (estimated from section scores). A score of 1430 or higher would place you in the top quarter of that group; 1240 marks the bottom quarter.

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

Enrolled first-year students who submitted ACT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% composite of 29 to 33, with a median of 31. Scoring 33 or above puts you in the top quarter of submitters.

Does University of Colorado Boulder require the SAT or ACT?

For fall 2024 entry, University of Colorado Boulder reported to the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional). Testing policies have changed at many colleges since then, so confirm the current policy on University of Colorado Boulder's admissions website before you apply.

What is University of Colorado Boulder's acceptance rate?

University of Colorado Boulder admitted 78% of applicants for fall 2024, according to data it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from

Test scores: 25th, 50th and 75th percentile SAT section scores and ACT composites of first-time students who enrolled in fall 2024 and submitted scores, as each college reported to IPEDS. Composite SAT ranges add the two section percentiles, so they are an estimate of the true composite range.

Admissions and test policy: Fall 2024 entering class, reported to IPEDS in 2024-25. Policies change; check each college's admissions site before applying.

Cost and outcomes: tuition for academic year 2024-25; average net price for academic year 2023-24; graduation rate for first-time, full-time students who started in 2018-19, graduating within 150% of normal time (6 years for a bachelor's degree); median earnings 10 years after entry, measured in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 dollars.

Coverage: colleges currently operating that reported SAT or ACT ranges and enrolled at least 500 undergraduates. Data released 2026-06-10, retrieved 2026-10-05. Spot an error? Email [email protected].