The Campus Budget Allocation Model

A model built by CU Boulder, for CU Boulder.

In 2022, campus members including faculty, staff, deans and administrators, budget leaders, and student leaders co-designed a budget allocation model that serves as a tool to support our mission as a comprehensive public teaching and research university. 

To ensure the budget allocation model operates as intended, even amid changing financial landscapes, the model design includes a formal review process every 3-5 years. The first model design review was launched in the fall 2025 completed in June 2026.  

We invite you to learn more about the CU Boulder budget allocation model, how it works, and what refinements were implemented as a result of the first formal review. 

Annual Budget Model Allocations (current and historical) and budget model driver data are available in the Budget Overview section of our website. CU Boulder sign-in is required.

Engage With Us

Save the date! CU Boulder faculty, students and staff are invited to attend the annual campus budget town hall at 2pm on November 10, 2026. Registration will open later this fall.

Send questions to budgetmodel@colorado.edu.

Learn about CU Boulder’s Budget

Click through an interactive flowchart to learn more about how the budget is allocated, the reasons behind budget model decisions, and the potential impacts of the new budget model components.

Explore the Interactive Budget Allocation Model Flowchart 

 

How CU’s Budget Works

CU Budget Map video with play button icon

In this video, you'll learn about the University of Colorado budget – from sources of funding to the differences between the four campuses that make up the University System.

Watch the video