University of Colorado Boulder versus Arizona State University

Hi all, I've been accepted into both the University of Colorado Boulder and Arizona State University. I’m honestly quite conflicted. Could anyone fill me in on the main differences between the two schools?

Sure, happy to help! Each of these schools has its own unique atmosphere and strengths, so let's break it down:

1. Location: The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is located in Boulder, Colorado, a city known for its mountains and crisp air, ideal for outdoor pursuits like hiking and skiing. The campus is also a short drive from Denver, which provides additional opportunities for cultural and professional experiences. Arizona State University (ASU) is in Tempe, Arizona, which has a vibrant urban environment with a warm, sunny climate year-round. It's a larger city with a great music scene and plenty of recreational opportunities.

2. Campus Culture: CU Boulder has a reputation for being environmentally conscious and having a vibrant school spirit, particularly around sports. The surrounding nature and environmentalism often attract students interested in sustainability. ASU's culture is largely influenced by its size; it's one of the largest public universities in the US, and it is known for embracing innovation. This results in a diverse student body and a large number of opportunities for student involvement.

3. Academics: Both schools offer a broad range of majors, so it can depend on what you're interested in studying. For example, CU Boulder is well-known for its programs in environmental science, engineering, and business. ASU, on the other hand, has strong programs in business, journalism, and sustainability, and is noted for its innovation and research opportunities. You should look more closely into the departments and resources related to your major at both schools.

4. Costs and Financial Aid: Think about the cost of both universities, including tuition, living expenses, and potential scholarships. You should use each school's net price calculator to estimate your costs. CU Boulder is a bit more expensive, whereas ASU tends to be more affordable, particularly for in-state students, but financial aid packages can impact these costs significantly.

5. Size and Class Size: CU Boulder is a medium-sized university with a student body of about 37,000, which offers a balance of small class sizes and large lecture courses. Conversely, ASU is one of the largest institutions in the country with over 70,000 students and this could impact class sizes and faculty accessibility.

I would suggest thinking about which of these factors (location, campus culture, academics, etc) are the most important to you in your college experience. Also, try to talk to current students or alumni from both schools to help in your decision-making. Good luck with your decision!