University of Colorado Boulder Aerospace Engineering Sciences
- Acceptance Rate
- 38.0%
- SAT Range
- N/A
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.7
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Life as an aerospace engineering student at CU Boulder combines demanding academics with Colorado's legendary quality of life. The campus's stunning location against the Flatirons attracts students who appreciate outdoor recreation, and the aerospace community enthusiastically embraces hiking, skiing, climbing, and cycling culture. Student organizations play important roles in aerospace community life. The Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) chapter organizes events and projects, while competition teams work on rockets, satellites, and autonomous vehicles. The department's undergraduate research opportunities engage students in meaningful projects from their earliest semesters. Boulder's vibrant downtown, located adjacent to campus, offers diverse dining, entertainment, and cultural options. Graduate students often live in Boulder, Louisville, or Superior, with housing costs reflecting the area's desirability. The university's recreation center and outdoor program provide additional opportunities for physical activity and adventure.
Location & Surroundings
Boulder, Colorado, consistently ranks among America's most desirable places to live, combining natural beauty, cultural vitality, and economic dynamism. The city of 100,000 sits at 5,430 feet elevation where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, with dramatic views of the Flatirons rock formations that define Boulder's character. The climate features over 300 sunny days annually, mild winters with occasional snow, and low humidity. Outdoor recreation opportunities are exceptional, with hiking and biking trails accessible directly from campus. Skiing at world-class resorts takes about 90 minutes, while rock climbing, kayaking, and other activities abound locally. Denver International Airport lies 45 minutes southeast, providing excellent connections for travel and industry engagement. Boulder's economy centers on technology, aerospace, and research, with major employers including Google, IBM, and numerous startups. This economic vitality creates internship and career opportunities while sustaining Boulder's cultural amenities and quality of life.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for Colorado residents is approximately $13,000 annually for undergraduates and $15,000 for graduates, while non-resident rates are roughly $40,000 and $35,000 respectively. The department offers numerous teaching and research assistantships for graduate students, which include tuition waivers and stipends averaging $28,000-35,000 annually. Undergraduate students access scholarships through the college, university, and external sources, with significant support available for students with financial need or exceptional merit. Co-op programs enable students to gain industry experience while earning income to offset educational costs. Career placement rates for AES graduates consistently exceed 90%, with median starting salaries among the highest in engineering. Major employers include NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Ball Aerospace, and numerous aerospace startups. The program's alumni network is particularly strong in the Colorado aerospace community, facilitating career advancement throughout graduates' professional lives.
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