As one of only 34 U.S. public research institutions in the Association for American Universities (AAU), the University of Colorado Boulder is all about realizing the positive impacts of new knowledge. From offering dozens of exciting programs in a range of academic fields, to serving as one of the world’s most dynamic research and innovation hubs, to working closely through hundreds of public outreach efforts with communities across Colorado and the world.

The Boulder campus offers approximately 4,000 different courses in 119 distinct fields of study and 236 degree programs across the baccalaureate, master's, doctoral and professional levels. These courses represent a full range of disciplines in the humanities, the social sciences, the physical and biological sciences, the fine and performing arts, and the professions. CU Boulder has more than 1,200 tenured and tenure-track faculty, with 98 percent holding doctorates or appropriate terminal degrees. The faculty includes nationally and internationally recognized scholars with many academic honors and awards.

The university is home to more than 2,000 nationally and internationally recognized research faculty who have earned a global reputation for outstanding teaching, research and creative work across more than 150 academic disciplines. While the classroom is the location for most instructional activities, laboratories, seminars and field work also are important features of the undergraduate and graduate experience. Students can get involved in research and creative work as early as their freshman year.

CU Boulder is located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, at an altitude of 5,400 feet. The Flatirons geologic formation is visible from nearly everywhere on campus. The climate is temperate, with generally pleasant days and cool evenings. The main campus covers 600 acres and includes about 200 buildings constructed of rough-cut Colorado sandstone with red tile roofs. The rural Italian (or Tuscan vernacular) architectural style evolved from a master plan developed by Philadelphia architect Charles Klauder in 1919. The Norlin Quadrangle, including the original Old Main building, is listed in the State and National Register of Historic Places. The campus has been noted as one of the most aesthetically pleasing in the country.