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Fort Collins , CO
Colorado State University (CSU) is a renowned public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Established in 1870, CSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across eight academic colleges. The university is well-known for its strong focus on experiential learning, sustainability, and research excellence. CSU boasts a diverse and inclusive community of around 33,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, creating a vibrant and multicultural campus. With its beautiful location near the Rocky Mountains and a wealth of academic and extracurricular opportunities, Colorado State University offers an exceptional educational experience.
CSU takes pride in its commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation. It is classified as a R1 Doctoral University with high research activity and houses several renowned research centers and institutes. Students at CSU have the opportunity to engage in research projects across various disciplines, collaborating with world-class faculty. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, veterinary medicine, business, and environmental science. CSU also offers a robust Honors Program that provides motivated and high-achieving students with enriching academic experiences, including smaller class sizes and specialized courses.
In addition to its academic offerings, CSU provides a thriving campus life and a wide array of extracurricular activities. The university boasts more than 550 student organizations, representing diverse interests such as cultural, academic, athletic, and community service. CSU's athletic teams, known as the Rams, compete at the NCAA Division I level of the Mountain West Conference. The campus is also home to state-of-the-art facilities, including performing arts spaces, wellness centers, and the newly constructed Agricultural Infrastructure, Health and Environmental Buildings, showcasing CSU's commitment to sustainability. With its welcoming community, stunning surroundings, and array of opportunities, Colorado State University offers a comprehensive and rewarding college experience.
Located in Fort Collins, CO and set in an urban environment, Colorado State University is a public university. This educational institution operates on a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 88%. The freshman retention rate at Colorado State University is 85.9% and the six-year graduation rate is 67%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is January 15. Explore this school's profile to find out all the essential things about Colorado State University.
Quick Facts
26,500
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
17:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
67%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
In order to improve your chances of getting admitted, you need to know as much as possible about the university's criteria for admission. Discover some vital information about admission at Colorado State University.
According to the newest information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 34,118 in 2025. Colorado State University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores if the applicant decides to submit them. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
28% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 7% submitted ACT scores, out of the overall number of those who submitted test scores. 8% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 38% between 1,200 and 1,399, 39% between 1,000 and 1,199, 14% of the students between 800 and 999, and 1% between 600 and 799. The percent of new students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 23, 44 between 24-29, 28 in the range between 18-23, and 6 between 12-17.
The ACT composite average score for all the admitted students in 2025 was 26 and the average GPA was 3.69. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into Colorado State University; the same goes for your ACT score.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 597 and an average SAT Math score of 574.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by January 15.
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is defined as the percentage of first-year students who return for their sophomore year at a college or university. That information can tell you if the majority of freshmen liked their first year enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for Colorado State University was 85.9% in 2025, a reflection of the high standards and excellent educational experience at this school.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. This academic institution has the six-year graduation rate of 67%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
It is always challenging to figure out which school is best for you. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by learning more about the student body.
Main Student Body
In 2025, the institution had an enrollment of 34,110 students.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 32.8% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 26,500, 600 of which were foreign students. The school reported to have a total of 1,400 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 11,632 male and 15,065 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
The significance of student diversity cannnot be denied, when it comes to the overall feeling of inclusion and beloning among the students of any school. Diversity promotes critical thinking, challenges preconceived notions, and encourages intellectual growth, so it helps students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 742, while the number of Black American students was 680. 4,090 undergraduates at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 1,293 as multirace. The school also had 45 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 128 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 197 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Financial planning for school is one of the most important things to think about before you apply. Here are some details you should know about the cost of attendance for Colorado State University.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at Colorado State University? Here is what you need to know.
For local residents, public county and municipal institutions reported that tuition costs were $10,610. Tuition fees were $32,020 for students coming from out of state. Tuition costs at Colorado State University for international students added up to $32,020. Fees per academic year required of full-time students totaled $2,763 in 2025.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $32,020 | $2,763 | $34,783 |
| In-State | $10,610 | $2,763 | $13,373 |
Books and Supplies
When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to think about the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $1,200.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for room and board?
In 2025, the price of room and board at Colorado State University was $17,508 per academic year. If you only needed a dormitory room, it cost $8,029 for the 2025 academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $13,167.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 10,610 |
| Room and Board | $ 17,508 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,200 |
| Total Expense | $ 29,318 |
Financial Aid
Grants, loans, scholarships, work-study programs: these are all different types of financial aid for students. Check out some recent data to get the information about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid you might get at Colorado State University.
The most recent records show that 2,087 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average financial aid package awarded to students equaled $14,059.
Need-based
If you need help with paying for your studies and you meet other eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for need-based aid.
7,221 students were awarded some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Colorado State University is available to international students. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need ended up being 10,509. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution came to $30,387,777, and state $18,926,360. The students of Colorado State University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $56,527,807, and external in the amount of $9,013,228.
$5,211
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. Non-need-based student aid typicaly comes in a form of Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 3,353 students overall (including freshmen) at Colorado State University in 2025. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 1,284 full-time freshman. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $30,387,777 while the state aid is $2,491,154. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $24,052,455. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $4,986,760 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
17:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
In 2025, this ratio at Colorado State University was 17:1. That means that there were 17 times more students than teachers at this school. This school has recently reported to have 2,203 faculty members. Out of that number, there were 1,083 men and 1,120 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at Colorado State University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
It is not all about learning and grades at Colorado State University: campus life is a crucial component of your educational experience. Find out some info about social life at Colorado State University.
Its campus spans 4,773 acres.
Student Organizations
Being a member of a student organization will make you connect better with your fellow students and enjoy your college years more.
According to recently gathered data, there are 271 open-membership organizations at Colorado State University. This number includes sororities and fraternities. 5 percent of male and 6 of female students participate actively in different organizations at Colorado State University. The student organization that gathers the largest number of students is Pre-Medica, followed by Pre-Law and Zoology Club. Other popular student organizations at this school are Photography Club and Outdoor Club.
Students who have a talent for music can join the Colorado State University band or chorus. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. Interested in media and communication? Colorado State University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Colorado State University, there are many amenities that make life on campus comfortable and safe.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.
This school has a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services, Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Colorado State University.
All in all, campus life at Colorado State University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Colorado State University.
Career Counselling
At Colorado State University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Acquiring information about the potential income after graduation can help you decide if a specific school is the right one for your career aspirations.
The average base annual starting salary of the students who were employed within six months of graduation at this institution is 57,461 USD.
$57,461
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins, CO.
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Colorado State University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for Colorado State University is 88%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Colorado State University is 85.9%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2025 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2025 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
