Colorado State University

Fort Collins, Colorado

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Founded in 1870, Colorado State University (CSU) is a public university. Located in Fort Collins, CSU is one of the leading research universities where faculty and students work together to explore fields like atmospheric science, infectious diseases, clean energy technology, and environmental science. 

CSU is a top choice for higher education among students from Colorado and beyond. Over the past ten years, it has achieved record enrollment and set all-time highs in student success and diversity. It has seen record fundraising and an annual rise in research expenditures. The university’s faculty is renowned domestically and internationally for its groundbreaking research. Colorado State University offers more than 150 degrees in eight colleges. It offers graduate programs in business,engineering and education and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Mission: Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service, and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

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Colorado State University Key Highlights 

The main highlights discussing details like graduation rate, endowment, campus area, etc., of Colorado State University are as follows:

Established in 1870
University Type Public Land Grant University
University Motto Education, Service, Research, Extension
University City Fort Collins, Colorado, United States Of America
Acceptance Rate 91%
Faculty to Student Ratio 1:17
Endowment  $558 Million
Campus Size 4773 Acres
Graduation Rate 69%
Employment Rate Undergraduates: 68% Graduates: 79%
Official Website Link Colorado State University
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Colorado State University Rankings & Recognitions

The Colorado State University has the following rankings:

  • It has been ranked 409th by the QS World University Ranking of 2024.
  • According to the Forbes list of top 500 colleges in America in 2023, Colorado State University was ranked as: 
    •  #198 in the top colleges
    •  #96 in public colleges
    • #127 in research universities
  • CSU has been ranked by the US News and World Report in 2024 : 
    • #151 in national universities
    • #80 in top public schools
    •  #199 in public value schools
  • The university has been ranked 401-500th by Times Higher Education in 2024 in World University Rankings.

The CS University is accredited by a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges known as The Higher Learning Commission.

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Colorado State University Campus Details 

The CSU System, with about 60,000 students annually, comprises three campuses, each serving a unique role in education and research. Colorado State University in Fort Collins, the flagship institution, is a doctorate-granting research university with over 33,000 students, including a significant number of first-generation scholars. It excels in atmospheric sciences, infectious diseases, sustainable energy, and more, and engages in community-focused initiatives through its Extension offices across 64 counties.

Colorado State University Pueblo enrolls about 4,000 students and is recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution. Nearly half of its students are from minority groups, with significant Hispanic and first-generation student populations. The campus offers specialized programs in mechatronics, railroad engineering, and automotive industry management, catering primarily to Southern Colorado.

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Programs Offered By Colorado State University

At Colorado State, one can choose from nearly 300 academic programs. The broad range of areas of study offered by the university for undergraduate and graduate studies are as follows:

  • Art Business
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Humanities
  • Protective Studies
  • Science, Technology, and Math
  • Trade and Personal Services

Other Certifications and programs that are provided for students who want to take CSU classes without being admitted to a CSU degree program:

  • Guest Program
  • Summer Only Program
  • CSU Online
  • Concurrent Enrollment Program
  • Intensive English Program

Here are a few popular programmes at CSU:

Programmes Format  College 
MBA On-campus  College of Business
Psychology  On-campus and Online College of Natural Science
Computer Science On-campus and Online College of Natural Science
Mechanical Engineering On-campus  Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering
Health and Exercise Science On-campus  College of Health and Human Sciences
Animal Science On-campus  College of Agricultural Science
Zoology  On-campus  College of Natural Sciences
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Admission Details Of The Colorado State University

The university offers its courses in the fall and spring semesters to international students.

Colorado State University Admission Deadlines

The deadlines for both undergraduate and graduate programs are as follows:

For Undergraduate Programs 

  • For the fall semester, the application begins in August. It is recommended that you file it by the 1st of December for full consideration.
  • For the spring semester, the application starts in January. It is recommended to file by the 1st of November for full consideration.
  • For the summer semester-, the application starts in May and goes on through July

For Graduate Programs

  • For the Fall Semester, the application begins at the beginning of September 
  • For the Spring Semester, the application begins at the beginning of February


Deadline Alert: Apply to USA Universities for 2024 - Start Your Application
 

Admission Requirements for International Students

Applications from overseas freshmen must be submitted with a $50 application fee, or they may be waived if the cost would put them in financial hardship.

When you submit your Common Application, you will be asked to pay the application fee or waive it. 

Application requirements for International students:

  • Proficiency in the English language is essential for academic success at CSU. 
  • You will be asked to specify in your application whether you are applying for conditional admission depending on your English competence or straight admission.
  • If you are applying for direct admission, the best measures of English competence are scores from the Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Academic, or the TOEFL. 
  • There are alternatives to these exams that might be taken into consideration on an individual basis.
  • If approved conditionally, applicants who do not provide adequate proof of their English language proficiency will be referred to the Intensive English Program.
  • Candidates whose primary language is English and who are from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom are free from this criterion.

For Graduate Programs

  • Generally speaking, the graduate school requires a cumulative GPA of at least 3.000 (on a 4.0 scale) for non-provisional admission. 
  • A higher GPA could be required by departments.
  • To find out about alternate admissions options and to confirm the minimum cumulative GPA criteria, get in touch with your academic department. 
  • $60 (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) for the degree program.
  • Graduate Certificate: $60 (permanent resident or citizen of the United States).

For Undergraduate Programs

  • You have to finish your bachelor's degree before beginning your graduate program.
  • To be eligible for graduate admission at CSU, a U.S. degree must come from an institution with regional accreditation (certificate or degree program).


Step-by-Step Admission Process 

The application process is quite simple: an international student can submit an online application through the common application form on the university’s website. The steps to apply for International Undergraduate are as follows:

Step 1: Choosing a course they wish to pursue.

Step 2: Completing the online application process (All freshman applicants use the online common application to apply).

Step 3: International freshman applicants must submit either a $50 application fee or an application fee waiver if the fee presents a financial hardship.

Step 4: After one to two days, students will receive an email with the instructions to activate their electronic identity that will let them see their application status

Step 5: Check the application status and email as well to ensure that the application is complete and all the required documents, like the English proficiency test result, are submitted

Step 6: Wait for the admission decision and keep checking the online application status or inbox for final news. 

Admissions decisions are provisional until the final transcript verifying graduation is received. The steps to applying to the university as an International Graduate applicant are as follows:

Step 1: Apply through the online application form

Step 2: Submit your transcripts, resume, diplomas, and other documents as required by the program

Step 3: Create a CSU NetID and email account to get your student account information

Step 4: Access RAMweb and register or drop courses, pay tuition, find their degree progress, and more.

Step 5: Visit the Office of International Programs regarding the immigration status requirements once admitted.

Step 6: Find housing and get mandatory health insurance

Step 7: Get a RAM card, which acts as your student ID and the ticket to everything at the university.

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Exams Accepted at Colorado State University

TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or Duolingo English Test (DET) results are the preferred indicators of English proficiency if students are seeking direct admission. Applicants who do not have evidence of English proficiency are considered for conditional admission by the university and, if admitted, are referred to the Intensive English Program.

For undergraduate students, these are the accepted exams with minimum scores:

  • TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language):83
  • IELTS(International English Language Testing System):6

CSU does not ask for ACT or SAT scores from undergraduate applicants. If you submit these scores, they will be added to your application but will only be reviewed upon your consideration request after an email to [email protected].

For graduate students, these are the accepted exams with minimum scores:

  • TOEFL: 80 (iBT)
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo: 120
  • PTE: 58
  • GRE: as per the department's requirement
  • GMAT: as per the department's requirement
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Tuition Fees And Other Expenses At The Colorado State University

When evaluating Colorado State University for your studies, consider both the tuition and additional expenses such as books, transportation, and meals. The cost varies by program and is further influenced by personal lifestyle choices, whether you live on or off campus, and other factors. Keep in mind that individual costs will vary based on these personal decisions and circumstances.

Program  Tuition fee 
Undergraduate $33,752
Graduate $32,058

Cost of Living for Undergraduate Programs:

Category  Sum 
Housing and Food $15,606
Books and Supplies $1,200
Transportation $1,826
Other Educational costs $1,811

Cost of Living for Graduate Programs:

Category  Sum 
Off-Campus Housing $14,679
Books and Supplies $720
Transportation $1,826
Health Insurance $3,435
Other Educational Costs $1,611


Learn about expenses covered under education loan.

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Financial Aids & Scholarships by Colorado State University

Scholarships are awarded based on different factors, including merit, financial need, and talent. They are awarded by institutions, governments, private individuals, foundations, and community organisations.

Scholarships awarded based on the application for admission:

Scholarship  Benefit  GPA Requirements (on a 4.0 scale)
Green and Gold Scholarship for Non-Residents up to $12,500 Min. 3.3 and above
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) 150% of Colorado resident's base tuition Min. 3.2 or above
Honors Scholarship $4,000 ($1,000 per year) Maintaining 3.0 
Partnership Award $20,000 ($5,000 per year) Maintaining 2.0

Some of the scholarships offered by the university require a different application like the Creative and Performing Arts Award. The award amounts vary and are awarded to students with talent in art, creative writing, dance, music, or theatre. You can use the CSUSA to apply for scholarships from one’s academic college (major), from the Office of Financial Aid, and other departments on campus. Grants offered by CSU:

  • Federal Pell Grant-$767-$7,395
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant-$1,500
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Jobs And Placement Opportunities By The Colorado State University

Colorado State University considers the brightest minds for admissions and provides them with as many opportunities as possible. They coordinate career counselling, internships, and other student career developmental activities with CSU’s Career Centre.

The resources provided by instructors, departments that work together, and alumni to help university students succeed in the job market are indicative of a team effort and include:

  • Job/internship strategies
  • The roles of identities, values, and culture in the process
  • Finding job boards
  • Online presence (i.e. LinkedIn and Handshake)
  • Making connections

According to the First Destination Report of CSU(2021-2022), by December 2022, 96% of graduate students had secured plans for employment or further education, and 95% had already received at least one job offer.

A total of 940 distinct firms employed graduate students from CSU; 87% of these employers recruited one graduate, 8% hired two, and 5% hired three or more. The most common Employers of Undergraduate Students are as follows:

  • Charles Schwab & Company
  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife
  • Colorado State University
  • Deloitte
  • Fidelity Investments
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Poudre School District
  • RSM US LLP
  • UCHealth
  • US Air Force
  • Woodward, Inc

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Accommodation By The Colorado State University

Exchange students are welcome to apply to live in university apartments, Aggie Village, or the residence halls. Most rooms in residence halls are shared by two or more students. At CSU, on-campus housing is very competitive. If you want to guarantee a room on campus, it's crucial to finish the online housing application as soon as possible. You have two options for accommodations, one is residence halls, and another is the university campus.

Residence Halls

At Colorado State University, students have a range of housing options tailored to different needs and preferences. The campus features 15 residence halls and four distinct apartment communities, each with its own unique character. Freshmen and upper-division students are typically housed in residence halls, which are available for the full academic year. Exchange students must adhere to specific requirements, such as moving in early for mandatory orientation, which incurs a fee of approximately $75 per night before the official contract start date. Additionally, a $350 fee is applicable if a student decides to terminate their housing contract mid-semester.

University Campus

Students can apply for residence in CSU apartments. The apartments they get to choose from are as follows:

  • Aggie Village: It is a single-student, fully furnished housing for graduate and continuing undergraduate students with a nine-month contract or lease.
  • Aggie Village Family: It is a family housing for undergraduate students who are over the age of 21 along with graduate students and houses a diverse population which leads to having a community-forward atmosphere.
  • International House: It is a single-student housing for graduate students and undergraduates over 21 years which is a culturally diverse living and learning environment. 
  • University Village: It is a family housing facility for undergraduates over the age of 21 and graduate students who want to live in an interactive community. 

Each year, leases expire on May 31 and start on the date of assignment. Early in the spring semester is when the lease renewal procedure takes place. If you leave before May 31st without a valid academic excuse, there is a contract-breaking cost.

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Notable Alumni Of The Colorado State University

The alumni list of Colorado State University is diverse and spreads out all across the globe.CSU graduates include Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts, CEOs, and two former governors of Colorado. Some of the most notable alumni of Colorado State University are as follows:-

Alumni Profession Achievements
Mary L. Cleave Astronaut In 1995 Cleave featured on a postal stamp in a series issued in Azerbaijan
James Van Hoften Astronaut National Defence Service Medal
Kent Rominger Former NASA Astronaut and Shuttle Commander Awarded with the Defense Superior Service Medal
Keith Carradine Actor Grammy Award in 1976
Wayne Allard Politician Served as US representative and US Senator
David Anderson Football Player A member of the Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins.
William E. Adams Major in US Army Recipient of the Medal of Honor


Colorado State University significantly shapes the future of its students, constantly trying to keep its students abreast of current developments in technology and employment opportunities. Essentially, the institute is moulding the professionals of tomorrow who will become the next generation of leaders. The university's credibility is suggested by its prominent alumni list and its careful and comprehensive approach to all of its courses. If you have any queries, contact the International Enrollment Center of CSU or send an email to [email protected].

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Colorado State University Located?

The Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

What are the special admission requirements for international students at the University?

International students require the following documents apart from their degree mark sheet to get admission into Colorado State University:

  • English Proficiency Scores
  • Letter Of Recommendation
  • Transcript
What is the employment rate of Colorado State University?

The Employment Rate of The Colorado State University is 68%

How hard is it to get into University?

Taking admission into Colorado State University Is quite simple as long as you have good grades and all the requirements are fulfilled as is indicated by its acceptance rate of 91%.

Is Colorado State University for international students?

Yes, Colorado State University accepts students from all ethnic and racial backgrounds. 

Is Colorado State University in Tier 1?

Yes, Colorado State University is a Tier 1 research university.

How much GPA do you need to get admission to Colorado State University?

Students who consistently or steadily improve their grades and have a 3.0+ GPA (on a 4.0 scale) are typically admitted to CSU.