What Verdica's 764 score means for University of Colorado Boulder
A composite score of 764 places University of Colorado Boulder in the "strong" band (740–799), indicating above-average institutional health across accreditation, student outcomes, and regulatory compliance. This score reflects a provider that meets or exceeds baseline expectations in most areas tracked by federal and regional oversight bodies.
For a prospective student, employer, or partner evaluating this institution, a 764 score signals lower risk than providers scoring in the elevated (580–669) or acceptable (670–739) ranges. However, it falls short of the "excellent" threshold (800–850), where nearly all tracked metrics show top-tier performance. The gap between this score and excellence—36 points—stems primarily from a notable dip in the Student Outcomes sub-score (650), which pulls the overall composite down despite strong performance in Accreditation (820) and Compliance (835).
In practical terms, this suggests a well-regulated institution with solid regulatory standing, but one where graduation rates, employment outcomes, or earnings data may lag peer benchmarks. Anyone considering enrollment, hiring graduates, or entering a partnership should verify specific outcome metrics directly with the institution or through IPEDS public data.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation (820): This "excellent" sub-score indicates the institution holds current, unrestricted regional or national accreditation and is in good standing with its accreditor(s). In the education sector, accreditation status is binary for regulatory purposes—an institution either holds valid accreditation or loses it—but Verdica's scoring reflects the strength and breadth of accreditation across program offerings. A score of 820 suggests no known warnings, probationary status, or narrowly accredited program portfolios.
Student Outcomes (650): This "elevated" sub-score is the weakest dimension. In higher education, this category typically reflects IPEDS-reported metrics such as graduation rate, retention rate, employment rate post-graduation, and median earnings of graduates. A score of 650 suggests these metrics fall below national averages or the institution's peer cohort, though without individual data points, the specific driver cannot be pinpointed. This warrants direct inquiry—for instance, whether the gap stems from lower graduation rates, longer time-to-degree, or lower earnings among program completers.
Compliance (835): This "excellent" sub-score reflects Title IV program participation and adherence to federal student aid regulations. It signals no current loan default rates in excess of thresholds, no restrictions on financial aid eligibility, and clean compliance audits. Title IV compliance is governed strictly by the U.S. Department of Education, making this a high-stakes metric. An 835 score indicates minimal regulatory friction on the federal aid side.
What regulators in CO track for education providers
Colorado higher education providers are overseen by multiple bodies. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and regional accreditors conduct periodic reviews of institutional mission, financial stability, and academic quality. Accreditation can result in warnings, probation, or loss of status if institutions fail teach-out obligations, commit fraud, or lose fiscal viability.
Title IV compliance is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education. Violations include misreporting enrollment or aid data, failing to return unearned aid, or exceeding federal loan cohort default thresholds (currently 30% over three years). These infractions can trigger loss of aid eligibility, requiring institutions to cover student aid shortfalls or cease federal aid disbursement.
IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) is the federal repository for institutional data, including graduation rates, retention, enrollment demographics, and financial metrics. Institutions report these annually; data quality issues or anomalies can trigger audits.
Colorado also requires state authorization for institutions operating within its borders, though most four-year universities operate under regional accreditation in lieu of separate state licensing.
Bottom line
University of Colorado Boulder's 764 score places it in the strong institutional category with excellent accreditation and compliance standing. The notable weakness in student outcomes suggests prospective students should independently verify graduation and employment rates for their intended program before committing.