National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Life as a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher at NREL combines the collegial atmosphere of academic research with the resources and mission focus of a national laboratory. The Golden campus provides modern facilities designed for collaboration, including shared laboratories, meeting spaces, and a central cafeteria where researchers across disciplines interact. The relatively compact site enables walking between facilities and encourages serendipitous conversations. Housing options in the Golden and metro Denver area range from affordable shared rentals in nearby communities to more expensive options closer to downtown Denver. Many researchers live in Golden itself, a charming mountain town with strong local identity, outdoor recreation access, and reasonable costs by Front Range standards. Others choose locations along the light rail corridor connecting Denver's suburbs. The broader Denver metropolitan area offers exceptional quality of life that attracts researchers despite competition from higher-paying opportunities elsewhere. World-class skiing, extensive hiking and biking trails, over 300 days of sunshine annually, and vibrant urban amenities create an environment where work-life balance comes naturally. The outdoor culture influences laboratory culture, with many researchers pursuing recreation together. Professional development opportunities extend beyond technical training to include leadership development, communication skills, entrepreneurship exposure, and career navigation support. NREL's Technology Transfer Office connects researchers with commercialization opportunities, and several spin-off companies have emerged from laboratory research. These experiences broaden career options beyond traditional research paths. The laboratory community includes active social organizations, sports teams, and interest groups. Annual events bring together staff across divisions, building the relationships that enable effective collaboration. Family-friendly policies and facilities recognize that sustainable careers require attention to personal as well as professional needs.
Location & Surroundings
NREL's primary campus occupies 632 acres in Golden, Colorado, nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains approximately 20 miles west of downtown Denver. The setting provides dramatic mountain views, excellent air quality, and immediate access to outdoor recreation, while remaining connected to the Denver metropolitan area's urban amenities. The National Wind Technology Center, located nearby in Jefferson County, provides additional research facilities. Golden maintains a distinctive character as a former mining town with strong ties to Colorado School of Mines. The walkable downtown offers local restaurants, breweries, and shops that create community beyond the laboratory. Clear Creek runs through town, providing tubing and kayaking in summer months. Nearby trails lead into the mountains for hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports. Denver International Airport, approximately 45 minutes from campus, provides excellent air service for domestic and international travel. The RTD light rail system connects Golden to the airport and downtown Denver, reducing car dependence for many trips. However, most researchers find vehicles valuable for accessing mountain recreation and suburban amenities. Colorado's climate features abundant sunshine, low humidity, and four distinct seasons. Winters bring snow but temperatures moderate quickly, and many days allow outdoor activity year-round. Summer heat remains manageable at elevation, with afternoon thunderstorms providing natural air conditioning. The climate supports the outdoor lifestyle that attracts many to the region. Cost of living along the Front Range has increased substantially in recent years, with housing representing the primary expense. Competition from technology workers and lifestyle migrants has pushed housing costs well above national averages. However, salaries adjust somewhat to local conditions, and the quality of life continues drawing talent despite costs.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Graduate students conducting research at NREL while enrolled at partner universities receive funding through their home institutions, typically including tuition waivers and living stipends competitive with their disciplinary norms. NREL may supplement this support through research funding or provide equipment, materials, and access to facilities that enhance research capabilities beyond what academic institutions alone could offer. Postdoctoral researcher salaries at NREL follow federal laboratory scales competitive with national markets, typically ranging from $75,000-95,000 depending on experience and field. Benefits include health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave. The Director's Fellowship provides enhanced compensation and professional development funding for recipients. Career outcomes for NREL-trained researchers reflect the laboratory's prominence and the growing clean energy sector. Graduates and former postdocs have joined faculty at leading universities including MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and throughout the University of Colorado system. Industry positions span technology companies, utilities, consulting firms, and startups commercializing clean energy innovations. Government careers offer pathways through DOE, EPA, and other agencies where technical expertise informs energy and environmental policy. National laboratories including NREL itself, Argonne, Lawrence Berkeley, and Sandia employ substantial numbers of NREL alumni. The laboratory's reputation provides strong credentialing for these competitive positions. The growing investment in clean energy has expanded career opportunities substantially. Climate commitments by governments and corporations create sustained demand for expertise that NREL training provides. Whether in research, development, deployment, policy, or finance, clean energy careers offer both intellectual satisfaction and societal contribution that attract mission-driven individuals.
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