If you’re new to Colorado, welcome! Whether you’ve arrived for a new job, a fresh start, or the promise of mountain adventures, you’re joining a state known for its vibrant communities and breathtaking landscapes. One of Colorado’s most iconic institutions, often at the heart of Boulder’s energy and innovation, is the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder).
As Colorado’s flagship public research university, CU Boulder has helped shape the state’s economic, scientific, and cultural landscape for 150 years. Today, the campus is home to world‑class researchers, a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, and a legacy of discovery that continues to reach across the globe.
What is the University of Colorado Boulder?
Founded in 1876, the same year Colorado became a state, CU Boulder is located in the lively city of Boulder, just 30 miles northwest of Denver. The university has more than 38,000 students and thousands of faculty and staff. The campus is renowned for its stunning views of the Flatirons, its welcoming atmosphere and its commitment to being a leading public research university that transforms lives through education, research and community engagement.
CU Boulder has produced five Nobel Laureates, four in physics and one in chemistry, spanning groundbreaking achievements from Bose‑Einstein condensates to the discovery of catalytic properties of RNA. This distinction places CU Boulder among a select group of universities with global scientific impact.
Physicists from CU Boulder and JILA designed a new kind of “atom interferometer” device (pictured here in their physics lab) that uses atoms to measure acceleration in three dimensions. Graduate student Kendall Mehling, left, and post doctoral researcher Catie LeDesma inspect the device. (Photo by Glenn J. Asakawa/University of Colorado)
Physicists from CU Boulder and JILA designed a new kind of “atom interferometer” device (pictured here in their physics lab) that uses atoms to measure acceleration in three dimensions. Graduate student Kendall Mehling, left, and post doctoral researcher Catie LeDesma inspect the device. (Photo by Glenn J. Asakawa/University of Colorado)
The university is not only an academic powerhouse, it’s also a major economic driver for Colorado. In the 2024–25 academic year, CU Boulder generated $5 billion in economic impact across the state, contributing to job creation, research advancements, and community vitality. CU Boulder was ranked #1 in the nation for launching startups based on university discoveries in 2024, demonstrating its exceptional ability to translate research into real-world impact.
Celebrating 150 Years: CU Boulder’s Anniversary
In 2026, CU Boulder marks its 150th anniversary, a milestone that highlights its deep roots in Colorado’s history and its ongoing impact on the state and beyond. The university is planning a yearlong celebration of 150 years of transforming lives, including storytelling projects, historical exhibits and community events. These festivities will coincide with the state of Colorado’s own 150th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, making it a truly special time to get involved.
Chancellor Justin Schwartz shares, “150 years ago, CU Boulder’s founders dreamed of a university that would transform lives and strengthen society. If they could see the university today, I think they would be awestruck by the influence and impact this campus holds for students, staff and faculty, alumni and all of Colorado.”
CU Boulder’s Notable Buffs and Community Leaders
CU Boulder’s alumni have made a big difference in Colorado and around the world. Some notable Buffs include:
● Mary Rippon: CU’s first female professor in 1878 and one of the first female professors at a state university anywhere in the United States.
● Timothy William Stanton: Chief of the U.S. Geological Survey.
● Carl Wieman and Eric Cornell: 2001 Nobel Prize winner in Physics for their groundbreaking work to create the world’s first Bose-Einstein condensate.
● Sarah Gillis: Young astronaut and spacewalk pioneer at Space X.
● Emma Coburn: Olympic medalist and a role model for resilience.
These stories are just a small glimpse of the university’s vast legacy of leadership, innovation and service.
CU Boulder for Everyone
Even if you’re not a student, CU Boulder is a place where anyone can find something to enjoy. The campus is open to the public and offers a wide range of experiences:
● Lectures from world-class speakers.
● Planetarium shows at Fiske Planetarium.
● Concerts ranging from intimate recitals to large-scale performances.
● Division I athletic events.
● Public self-guided tours to enjoy the beautiful grounds.
Roman Zavada performs live footage of the Aurora Borealist in Northern Canada at Fiske Planetarium during a session titled Resonance Borealis at the Conference on World Affairs. (Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado)
Welcome to Colorado, Welcome to CU Boulder
CU Boulder is a resource for all Coloradans. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, community or just a fun afternoon, CU Boulder invites you to be part of its next 150 years of impact and discovery. Explore more at www.colorado.edu and discover how CU Boulder can be part of your Colorado adventure.
