Overview
Founded in 1870 as Colorado Agricultural College, Colorado State University is the state's land-grant institution located in Fort Collins. It has grown into a major research university with top-ranked programs in veterinary medicine, atmospheric science, engineering, and agricultural sciences, and is classified as an R1 research institution with substantial federal research funding. CSU's veterinary school and its Warner College of Natural Resources are consistently ranked among the best in the nation, and the university has a long history of pioneering research in areas like climate science and infectious disease.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Fort Collins, Colorado |
| Founded | 1870 |
| Total students | 33,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 15:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 85% |
| Graduation rate | 68% |
| Average starting salary | $58,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $12,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $32,000 |
| Room & board | $13,500 |
| Average financial aid | $14,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 75% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1080-1300 |
| ACT range | 21-28 |
| Average GPA | 3.60 |
| Regular deadline | June 1 |
Top Programs
- Veterinary Medicine
- Atmospheric Science
- Engineering
- Agricultural Sciences
- Natural Resources
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.