National Renewable Energy Laboratory Graduate Programs
- 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
Graduate students at NREL enjoy a dynamic blend of rigorous research and Colorado's renowned outdoor lifestyle. The laboratory's location in Golden provides immediate access to the Rocky Mountain foothills, with hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities just minutes away. The campus itself features sustainable building designs and beautiful mountain views. The graduate student community at NREL forms a tight-knit cohort united by passion for clean energy. Regular social events, hiking groups, and collaborative projects foster connections that often continue throughout careers. The laboratory's location along the Front Range provides access to the Boulder and Denver metropolitan areas' vibrant cultural scenes. Housing options in Golden range from apartments to houses, with reasonable costs compared to coastal cities. Many students live in nearby communities including Arvada, Lakewood, or Boulder, with easy commutes to the laboratory. The region's active lifestyle and 300 days of annual sunshine attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
Location & Surroundings
Golden, Colorado, sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains approximately 15 miles west of Denver. This historic mining town of about 20,000 residents has evolved into a center for renewable energy research while maintaining its small-town character. Clear Creek runs through downtown, which features local breweries, restaurants, and shops. The Colorado Front Range climate features abundant sunshine, low humidity, and four distinct seasons. Winters bring snow to the mountains while remaining relatively mild in the valleys, enabling year-round outdoor activities. The region's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities consistently rank among residents' top reasons for living in Colorado. Denver International Airport provides excellent domestic and international connections, while the metropolitan area offers all the amenities of a major city. Boulder, home to the University of Colorado, lies 30 minutes north and provides additional academic and cultural resources. The region's concentration of federal laboratories and clean energy companies creates a vibrant professional community.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Graduate students conducting research at NREL typically receive full funding through a combination of university fellowships, NREL project funding, and Department of Energy programs. Stipends are competitive with other national laboratories, and students receive benefits through their home universities. NREL offers summer internship programs for students at earlier stages, providing paid research experiences and potential pathways to graduate positions. The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program, funded by DOE, supports students at national laboratories across the country. Career outcomes for NREL graduate alumni are exceptional, reflecting both the quality of training and the laboratory's extensive industry connections. Graduates pursue careers at renewable energy companies, other national laboratories, utilities, consulting firms, government agencies, and academic institutions. The growing clean energy sector ensures strong demand for NREL-trained researchers and engineers.
Campus Location
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