The University of Colorado (CU) is a public university system in the state of Colorado, United States, comprising multiple campuses that offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Established as a land-grant institution, the system is governed by the Regents of the University of Colorado and emphasizes research, education, and public service. The flagship campus, University of Colorado Boulder, founded in 1876, is a prominent public research university classified as an 'R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity' by the Carnegie Classification and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Other campuses include the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), and the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, which focuses on health sciences and biomedical research. The Anschutz Medical Campus was renamed in honor of philanthropist Philip Anschutz following his substantial donations exceeding $120 million since the early 2000s, supporting initiatives in cancer research, orthopedics, and medical education. The system enrolls over 55,000 students and employs thousands of faculty and staff, contributing significantly to Colorado's economy and innovation ecosystem. The university system has historical ties to state governance, with its Board of Regents elected by Colorado voters, ensuring public accountability. CU has faced various controversies over the years, including Title IX investigations related to campus sexual assault handling in the 2010s, labor disputes with faculty unions, and debates over free speech policies, but it remains a cornerstone of higher education in the Rocky Mountain region. Financially, the University of Colorado system relies on a mix of state funding, tuition, research grants from federal agencies like the NIH and NSF, and private donations. Its research expenditures exceed $500 million annually, positioning it as one of the top public universities for innovation. Notable alumni and faculty include Nobel laureates, astronauts, and leaders in technology and policy, underscoring its influence in national and global networks.