What about those who are in-state and go because it’s an affordable flagship? What about those who go because it’s strong in their intended major? What about those who might want to relocate to Colorado and go because it’s easier to tap into in-state professional networks from Boulder than from elsewhere?
Or – what about those who go for a variety of reasons on your list and mine? I don’t know too many people who go to Boulder just because they are potheads (or cokeheads?). You can do that anywhere.