Model Design Review
Built into CU Boulder’s budget allocation model is a formal review conducted every 3-5 years. This review practice ensures the model works as intended, advancing the alignment of our resources to our mission.
The first Budget Allocation Model Design Review kicked off in September 2025, with the convening of the Strategic Alignment and Design Review committees.Over the 2025-26 academic year, committee members will review specific components of thecampus budget model, analyze impacts for effective alignment to mission, and develop recommendations for improvements.
Budget Allocation Model Components
The portion of net tuition available after strategic and mandatory funds deductions, for core funds allocations.
The portion of net tuition distributed directly to colleges and schools as well as academic and administrative support units (such as university libraries and human resources).
A portion of the college/school allocable net tuition, which is distributed to colleges and schools to fund promotion, tenure, retentions and the faculty diversity action plan (FDAP) allocations.
Colleges and schools receive an annual budget from a methodology based on student credit hours as well as student retention and graduation.
Colleges and schools receive an annual budget based on the previous year’s budget, plus or minus an incremental amount based on whether campus revenues are up or down.
Includes insurance and some deferred maintenance; is taken “off the top,” prior to core funds allocations.
Revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition, less financial aid, tuition refunds and bad debt.
A portion of the net tuition taken “off the top,” prior to core funds allocation, to supportstrategic campus-wide investments and activities.
A portion of the college/school allocable net tuition, which is distributed to colleges and schools, in addition to core funds, with consideration of the university’s mission as a comprehensive AAU public teaching and research institution and after consultation with stakeholders.