By the Numbers - 2012

CU-Boulder is no. 1 in the nation for atomic/molecular/optical physics programs, tied with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Ranked no. 5 are the university’s environmental sciences and quantum physics programs and environmental law. Clinical psychology ranks 18, physics 19, earth sciences 23 and chemistry 26.The biological sciences program is no. 30, the College of Engineering and Applied Science no. 35, the School of Education at no. 38 and computer science at no. 39.

Source: U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings

Did You Know?

Great Returns:

CU-Boulder ranked 19th in a rating of return on investment for 50 of the nation’s priciest colleges. The campus finished just behind Princeto n and ahead of Harvard, Cornell and Yale in Smart  Money’s report.

Business Sense:

A once-exclusive business minor program will offer crucial business skills and real-world experience to nonbusiness majors beginning next fall.

Scrutinizing Fracking:

CU scientists will explore ways to maximize the benefits of natural gas while minimizing the negative effects of fracking practices on ecosystems and communities with a $12 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

Sun Savings:

CU will research materials that could lead to lower costs for clean renewable electricity in American homes and businesses, thanks to a $450,000 award from the U.S. Department of Energy.