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College Comparison

University of Arizona vs University of Colorado Boulder: Which is Better?

Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.

School

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

School

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUniversity of ArizonaCU Boulder
Acceptance Rate85.7%83.3%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1160–14201230–1420wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)21–3028–33wins
Tuition (Out-of-State)$41,095wins$41,943
Avg Net Price$15,960wins$21,480
Median Earnings (10 yr)$59,979$69,738wins
Graduation Rate65.9%75.0%wins
Retention Rate87.7%89.2%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio19:119:1
Total Enrollment40,769wins31,578

Verdict

Based on the data above, CU Boulder edges out University of Arizona on 6 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.

University of Arizona Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $41,095
  • Avg Net Price: $15,960
  • Total Enrollment: 40,769

CU Boulder Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 83.3%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1230–1420
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–33
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $69,738

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