University of Colorado—Boulder (CU Boulder)

Located in the Rocky Mountain region, the University of Colorado Boulder is a "comprehensive public research university" boasting "five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies." It "provides a modern, research-based education that focuses on creating aware citizens to go on to change the world (while having fun)." Students call it a "strong school academically with all the perks of a big state university" including "excellent diversity in subjects and courses, school spirit, packed sports games, and a fun, beautiful college town." Students get to enjoy a "beautiful campus with outdoor-oriented people" in addition to "a great research university," notes an international affairs major. Boulder offers a wide variety of degree programs, but students praise the "top-notch leadership program," "great business program," and "strong physics reputation" in particular. CU Boulder also offers a "strong environmental program" with opportunities for "both onand off-campus" study. Students say the professors are "amazing," "approachable," "interested in students personally," and "will treat you as an adult." Professors are "consistently excellent across the wide variety of subjects I have taken courses in, from geography to astronomy and economics to literature," notes one student. "In my four years as an undergrad," says an environmental studies major, "I have traveled places and learned things that I never imagined I would or could experience." In addition, "the price for an education of this caliber is phenomenal," a creative writing major notes. "I was going to a private college for two years and can safely say that this education is significantly better, while the cost is relatively minimal." CU Boulder is a perfect fit for students who want to be in a "college town surrounded by other young intellectuals."

CU Boulder students consider themselves a diverse bunch from "diverse backgrounds" with "diverse passions." "There isn't really a typical student, which is awesome," notes a marketing major. But an international affairs major says, "Students are mostly uppermiddle class white kids from Colorado, California, Texas, or Illinois." Typical CU Boulder students are "kind," "genuine," "smart," and "athletic." They are "outdoorsy, outgoing, and always up for anything." They "love to be outside and often will spend their weekends in the mountains." And though "partying is big," "most take school very seriously and are irritated by [its] depiction as a 'party school'" in the "media." "The school is so large that everyone fits into a group, no matter what your interests are," says an environmental studies major. In addition to those attracted to Greek life, there are "hippy concert going types and everything in between." An architecture major says, those "who make an effort to meet new people and try new things, will be very happy, and have a great time at CU Boulder." As one student notes: "When I stepped foot on CU's campus, I immediately felt at home." She adds: "Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. It's such a community atmosphere. Everyone watches out for each other and has each other's backs, even strangers."

Boulder is the best college town in the U.S., raves one student. With the foothills of the Rockies as their home, "being active and outdoors is a staple for students." "Regardless of the time of day, students can be seen outside relaxing, exercising, or just hanging out with friends," according to one marketing major. Students "go hiking when the weather is nice" and many "go skiing in the mountains on days that [they] don't have classes." Snowboarding is also "extremely popular." And there is also a "prominent night life at the bars," including a music scene that is "diverse and active." Students "go shopping and eat out on Pearl Street" in "downtown Boulder" and "Farrand Field is always busy on nice days with students playing Frisbee, football, soccer, and tanning." It's a "fun college town," and many students "[like] to go out and party on the weekends."