Founded in 1870, Colorado State University-Fort Collins. is a Public college. Located in Colorado, which is a city setting in Colorado, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 25,177 full time undergraduate students, and 6,679 full time graduate students.
The Colorado State University-Fort Collins Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 1542 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Colorado State University-Fort Collins include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
77%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
50
SAT Range
1020-1250
ACT Range
23-28
Admissions at CSU are considered Less Selective, with ,190% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 23 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
88% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 51% were in the top quarter, and 22% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
346 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
286 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
382 Students rated campus food 3.7 stars. 24 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
399 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
400 Students rated class size 3.7 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
396 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
397 Students rated local services 4.4 stars. 58 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
400 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
210 Students rated Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Sofia
Prospective04/30/2025
As a transfer student, the opportunity to attend a university was always the end goal, and with the chance to now attend CSU it brings forwards how the university is unique. I was born and raised in Colorado and this university has always been held to high regard when talking about academics, not only is the location great but the community surrounding it is incredibly welcoming. From attending admitted student events, orientations, and meeting with school counselors, it has made me feel included. I will be attending in the Fall 2025 semester and I have been kept in contact with students and counselors to make my transition easy. Having that contact has made me feel more connected to campus as the help from the school has made me the transition to a bigger university stress free.
Maisa
College04/30/2025
The community and people are truly spectacular. There are so many benefits that come along with a big school. There are so many opportunities available, and I am truly happy and grateful to be at this amazing school.
Milena
Prospective04/30/2025
Colorado State University in Fort Collins campus, location and the education it offers, is what made me want to go there. Not only is the campus beautiful, with many new renovated buildings, big classrooms and fantastic educators, it is also located close to the mountains. The reason why I even stayed in Colorado to pursue my education, was because I love nature. Being so close to the mountains, makes me happy and attending CSU would make it much easier to travel there to watch the sunset, talk with my friends, draw or even take a peaceful walk. Additionally, I like how the campus is bike friendly and has a rec center, putting physical health as one of its priorities. The view is gorgeous in of itself and I cannot wait to watch beautiful sunsets over the mountains and furthering my education in such a beautiful campus.
Analii
Prospective04/29/2025
A good reason I would love to attend Colorado State University is because I've heard the nursing program is great and people I have spoken with have said amazing things about the campus. What stands out to me is the cheer and dance team they always look so amazing doing their job and it truly makes me want to continue cheerleading. The community seems very welcoming and a very including environment that many people would enjoy to be around.
Kaosi
Prospective04/28/2025
First of all, it's part of the WUE program, and as a non-resident student from Alaska that's of course a plus! Additionally, I truly love the greenery of the campus and of Fort Collins in general, it seems so nice and homey. Also form the bit of research I've done on CSU, Fort Collins seems like a really fun place to be
anniah
Prospective04/25/2025
I am interested in joining Colorado State University because of their criminology program and their BSA. As someone who wanted to stay close to home so I could return home to my family this seemed like the best option as it's more diverse than CU Boulder.
Annalise
Prospective04/23/2025
I really like the diversity and academic opportunities. Visiting the college has giving the view of how the community is and made want to be apart of it.
Annalise
Prospective04/23/2025
The diversity, student life, and academic opportunities. Visitings the campus should what a great community CSU has. Which made me want me to be apart of.
Brandon
Prospective04/20/2025
One of the things that really stands out to me about Colorado State University–Fort Collins is how close it is to home. I value being near my family and community, and CSU provides a great balance—close enough to stay connected, but far enough to give me the independence I need to grow. It’s comforting to know that I can return home when needed, but also have the freedom to explore and dive into my studies without being too far away.
Another huge draw for me is the natural environment around CSU. I’ve always loved the outdoors, and Fort Collins is the perfect blend of access to nature while still being close to a city. I’m excited about the opportunity to get involved in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the nearby mountains. I believe having that kind of natural beauty surrounding me will help me stay grounded, find balance, and recharge during the busy college years.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to build lasting partnerships and connections throughout my four years at CSU. I want to collaborate with fellow students, professors, and local businesses to work on real-world projects—especially in engineering. CSU’s focus on innovation and community involvement offers the perfect environment to create those relationships, both academically and professionally. I’m excited about the opportunities to grow in such a supportive and dynamic environment.
Grace
College04/19/2025
I chose Colorado State University because they have the Human Development and Family Studies major, which will best allow me to follow my mission of working with kids.
Konrad
Prospective04/16/2025
Every visit and interaction I’ve had has been incredibly positive. The students are friendly, and the professors are kind and approachable. The campus has a warm, welcoming vibe that makes it feel like a place where I could truly grow and feel at home.
Nicole
Prospective04/14/2025
One thing that attracts me to Colorado State University is their program in veterinary. I have heard they are the of the best colleges in the veterinary profession in the United States
Avery
Prospective04/09/2025
Colorado State University-Fort Collins stands out to me for its strong business program and hands-on learning opportunities. I’m excited about the chance to gain real-world experience through CSU’s faculty, research, and internships.
Beyond academics, I’m drawn to the welcoming campus culture and Fort Collins’ amazing outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. The opportunity to balance my studies with exploring more of Colorado’s landscape makes CSU the perfect fit for my academic and personal growth.
Gianna
Prospective04/09/2025
Though there are several things that excite me about the Colorado State University- Fort Collins my top interest would have to be the several opportunities the school has to offer. Colorado State University opens up a door of possibilities for personal growth and academic growth. I'm excited about the variety of knowledge that is offered because it helps me identify my passions and talents. Researching about a school's academic opportunities is exciting because it also offers students a variety of extracurricular activities and programs that go along with our academic learning. The excitement of learning about your school's academic opportunities gives me potential growth, expansion in my life, and overall future development.
Braddock
Prospective04/09/2025
I think the school is neat and in a good spot I just don't think it right for me.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Colorado State University-Fort Collins is 77%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Before this school I was extremely pessimistic about society. I viewed humanity as a negative biological entity, a creature on this planet that has quite literally taken over. However, after my classes and incredible on campus internship, I have learned a new meaning to conservation. Community based conservation is the only future for our planet. Bringing together research, community values, policy, economics and more is prudent for the future of conservation. Colorado State has opened my mind to a new light that has caused an overwhelming amount of ambition and optimism to swell within me. I've learned the true meaning to sustainability, and have come to realize that humanity is not a negative entity; we are simply a system that has gone out of balance. In the end it comes down to the ability to sustain both our natural and human world in one system, and in the end it comes down to places like Colorado State who inspire us all to look for new faces of change.
The academics at Colorado State University allow students to grow in their preferred field of study. While it can be frustrating during one's first couple years of having to take classes that don't pertain to his/her major, it does get more interesting once General Education courses and Prerequisites are out of the way. Students begin to learn more about what they actually came to college for-- to become professionals in a selected field of study. Along with classes becoming more enjoyable, the class sizes decrease in size, which, I believe, allows for more personal growth as a student; professors get to know students by name and build relationships that ultimately help students to reach his/her maximum potential. It isn't uncommon to see students at CSU putting numerous hours into studying and homework, whether that be in different Halls or in the Morgan Library.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
I would say Greek Life is the most popular student activity around campus but there are many different groups for specific interests in each college. For example the College of Ag has block and bridle club or CSU cattlewomens association, and lots more.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
I think many students enjoy their college experience and are experiencing new things in their life, but I dont think CSU parties any more or less than any other college campus.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
Colorado State University is in a great location! You are right next to the mountains if you enjoy outdoor recreation, and if not Denver is only an hours drive away.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
If they had they had the majors and the sport clubs/ varsity sports that would interest me in trying out for the teams and pursuing a degree in those majors
Colorado State University is a very diverse school that offers opportunities for many types of people. A person that attends this school should probably enjoy the outdoors, seeing as the students and the community of Fort Collins are very active and outdoors oriented as a whole. The person should also be comfortable in a large school since CSU has roughly 27,000 students. The person should also enjoy getting involved because CSU has an enormous amount of Student Organizations that offer involvment opportunities for every interest.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
The eco-friendly enthusiastic nature of the campus. It's helpful and not pushy and offers ways for you to become 'green' instead of just telling you to become 'green'.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
Anyone interested in learning, growing, and advancing their opportunities for the future should attend. No one should be left out, if they are willing to work hard.
It is best known for its incredible environmental studies and research. My department, Fish Wildlife and Conservation Biology, is nationally ranked. As is our Pre-Vet, Pre-med, Engineering, Agricultural, and Zoology departments. Overall it is a very academically challenging school.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The most frustrating thing is walking to class when it was in the worst of winter getting a foot of snow and having no teachers cancel class because it was just typical colorado weather
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
CSU is stereotyped as a state school where all kids do is party. There certainly is partying that goes on, but there are very few people giving all college students a bad rep. I have met tons of people who have no interest in partying at all, and have found a very comfortable atmosphere at CSU away from the party scene. Fraternity life can get a little rowdy like the stereotypes portray, but not to the extent you see in movies and in the media. Overall, the CSU fraternities are respectable.
The school is changing up the people working with the sports team. They just let go the football coach. But sports is a big thing here and students get free tickets to the home sporting events and they are a lot of fun to go to.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
78% of students attending Colorado State University-Fort Collins receive some sort of financial aid.
21% were awarded federal grants.46%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
