Entrepreneur Spencer Schar is a student at University of Colorado Denver, where he is studying for a dual master’s degree in finance and economics. This article will take a closer look at Colorado University Boulder and the work of its staff, students, and alumni, who all contribute to a campus experience that leads, innovates, and has a lasting positive impact.
Colorado University Boulder aims to shape the leaders of tomorrow by nurturing students and fostering shared approaches to inclusion, belonging, civic engagement, and academic success. Offering more than 4,600 courses across over 160 fields of study, Colorado University Boulder boasts 21 Rhodes Scholarship students, ranking among the top 3% of world universities according to the Academic Rankings of World Universities, 2023.
Each year, Colorado University Boulder awards more than 9,600 degrees, a figure higher than any other university in Colorado. The learning institution aims to be a top university for innovation by cultivating a bold philosophy of innovation and entrepreneurship, stemming from the university’s world-class research and creative work. Colorado University Boulder has been a proud participant in 13 years of the New Venture Challenge, a competition for entrepreneurs and start-ups. In addition, technologies developed through the university have spawned more than 136 new start-ups, generating circa $1.9 billion in revenue for the U.S. economy between 2014 and 2018.
In October 2023, Colorado University Boulder alumnus Charles W. Hull received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Biden. America’s highest award for technical achievement, the medal was presented to Charles Hull in recognition of his exemplary achievements in technology and innovation realized through his invention of 3D printing.
In total, Colorado University Boulder boasts five Nobel laureates. The best known and most prestigious award for intellectuals, the Nobel Prize celebrates individuals whose work has “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” Colorado University Boulder has also produced 12 MacArthur fellows, 18 affiliated astronauts, 5 National Medal of Science winners, 3 U.S. Supreme Court justices and over 100 Fulbright fellows.
Measuring Colorado University Boulder against all other U.S. learning institutions, the U.S. News & World Report 2024 ranks the university:
- #23 in Fine Arts
- #12 in Environmental Law
- #11 in Quantum Physics
- #9 in Geology
- #8 in Aerospace Engineering Sciences
- #4 in Atomic/Molecular/Optical Physics
Colorado University Boulder aims to broaden research and creative work by articulating its positive impact on humanity. The university collaborates to produce graduates who use their experience of life on campus to make meaningful contributions to society. Colorado University Bolder ranks fourth in the country (of all time) for graduates serving as volunteers in the peace corps. In addition, more than 14,000 hours of work were completed via the institution’s Volunteer Resource Center in 2023.