Colorado State University-Fort Collins
About Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Colorado State University is a public research university in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is known for its veterinary medicine, atmospheric science, and agricultural programs. Fort Collins is consistently ranked as one of the best college towns in the country.
Founded
1870
Location
Fort Collins, Colorado
Students
33,413
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
88.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
66.5%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$13,373
Out-of-state: $34,783
Avg Net Price
$21,279
After financial aid
SAT Average
1175
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$60,543
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Jan 15
Colorado State University-Fort Collins accepts the majority of applicants at 88.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1175/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Average: 26 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
66.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
85.9%
4-Year Grad
47%
6-Year Grad
69%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
74.4%
$/Student
$16.8K
Class Size
Medium
While 47% finish in 4 years, 85.9% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$13,373
In-State
$34,783
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,817
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$31,642
After Financial Aid
$21,279
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,259
Receive Grants
21.1%
Take Loans
31.6%
The full cost of attendance is about $31,642/yr for in-state students, including $16,817 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $21,279. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $34,783.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Colorado State University-Fort Collins fund their education.
While in School
21.1%
Get Grants
Free money
31.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$63,463
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$212/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31.6% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
Gender
54.9%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
25,538
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
7,875
Graduates
24.2%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
10.4%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (55% women, 45% men). 24.2% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
25,538
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Colorado State University-Fort Collins fields 9 varsity teams with 518 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Mountain West
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
518
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
49% / 51%
256
Men
262
Women
4
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Colorado State University-Fort Collinsearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$60,543
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$55K
679 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$33K
330 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$37K
284 grads
1yr Earnings
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services
—
257 grads
Zoology/Animal Biology
$28K
234 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$35K
217 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $50K at six years, $46K at eight, and $61K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Colorado State University-Fort Collins
What is the acceptance rate at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?▾
How much does Colorado State University-Fort Collins cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?▾
How much do Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.