Colorado State University
Colorado State University at a Glance
Colorado State University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #115 | 2025 |
Colorado State University Overview
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is a public university in Fort Collins, CO with 36,856 students. With a 89.6% acceptance rate, most students who meet the requirements are admitted. The most popular majors are Biological Sciences, Business/Marketing, and Engineering. Graduates earn a median of $60,543 ten years after enrollment.
| Full Name | Colorado State University-Fort Collins |
| Location | Fort Collins, CO 80523-0100 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | colostate.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 36,856 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 27,893 |
| Female Students | 54.6% |
How Much Do APs Matter at Colorado State University?
APs are considered but not decisive at Colorado State University. Focus on GPA and overall application strength.
What Colorado State University Values in Admissions (CDS Data)
From the Common Data Set — what Colorado State University officially says matters in admission decisions.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Important |
| Application Essay | Important |
| Recommendation | Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | Considered |
| Talent Ability | Considered |
| Character Personal Qualities | Considered |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Not Considered |
| Interview | Not Considered |
| Work Experience | Not Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Not Considered |
Best AP Classes to Take for Colorado State University
Based on Colorado State University's most popular majors and admission priorities, these AP courses are most valuable:
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Statistics
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- AP Physics C: E&M
- AP Chemistry
- AP U.S. History
- AP Government
- AP Economics (Macro/Micro)
AP Strategy for Colorado State University Applicants
Colorado State University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Colorado State. Families earning $0-30k pay around $13,259 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $29,763. 19% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Colorado State enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $20,000, which is reasonable against the $49,748 typical early-career salary.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $13,259 | $53,036 |
| $30-48k | $14,460 | $57,840 |
| $48-75k | $15,905 | $63,620 |
| $75-110k | $21,927 | $87,708 |
| $110k+ | $29,763 | $119,052 |
Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $15,140 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $31,642 |
Popular Majors at Colorado State University
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into Colorado State University
Colorado State is a Safety school for most students who meet the basic requirements. Don't let the higher acceptance rate fool you — Colorado State still offers strong programs and outcomes. Graduates earn $60,543 within 10 years, making it a solid return on investment.
What Colorado State University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Important |
| Application Essay | Important |
| Recommendation | Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | Considered |
| Talent Ability | Considered |
| Character Personal Qualities | Considered |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Not Considered |
| Interview | Not Considered |
| Work Experience | Not Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Not Considered |
GPA Profile of Admitted Students at Colorado State University
High school GPA distribution of enrolled freshmen, from the Common Data Set.
Colorado State University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Colorado State University Rolling admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Priority Deadline | Dec 1 |
| Regular Decision | Feb 1 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 1 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado State University
More About Colorado State University
Other Colleges in CO
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Colorado State University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.