About Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Colorado State University draws 25,148 students to Fort Collins, a mid-sized Colorado city that perfectly balances college town energy with outdoor recreation access. The university has built a national reputation around its veterinary medicine and agricultural programs, while its engineering school consistently ranks among the top in the country. Notable graduates include animal behavior expert Temple Grandin and NFL quarterback John Elway. With a 91% acceptance rate, CSU welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds who want to engage with hands-on research opportunities at this public research institution.
Students pay an average net price of $20,332 after financial aid, making CSU relatively affordable for a full university experience. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,543 ten years after graduation, while carrying a manageable median debt load of $20,000. The monthly loan payment of $212 represents a reasonable investment considering the earning potential. In-state students get an especially good deal with tuition at $12,896.
The student body leans slightly female at 55% and draws primarily from Colorado, with 72% of students coming from in-state. CSU's Rams compete in Division I athletics across 12 sports, adding school spirit to the campus culture. The 85% retention rate suggests students find their academic and social fit in Fort Collins.
Students pay an average net price of $20,332 after financial aid, making CSU relatively affordable for a full university experience. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,543 ten years after graduation, while carrying a manageable median debt load of $20,000. The monthly loan payment of $212 represents a reasonable investment considering the earning potential. In-state students get an especially good deal with tuition at $12,896.
The student body leans slightly female at 55% and draws primarily from Colorado, with 72% of students coming from in-state. CSU's Rams compete in Division I athletics across 12 sports, adding school spirit to the campus culture. The 85% retention rate suggests students find their academic and social fit in Fort Collins.
Academics & Faculty
Colorado State excels as a research university with nationally ranked programs in veterinary medicine, agriculture, and engineering. The veterinary school consistently ranks among the top five in the nation, drawing students worldwide to study animal health and behavior. Engineering programs, particularly in atmospheric science and biomedical fields, benefit from extensive research opportunities. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students work closely with professors on modern projects. The 67% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenging coursework in these technical fields. Agriculture remains a cornerstone strength, from sustainable farming to food science. Research funding exceeds $400 million annually, providing undergraduates access to advanced labs and field work that larger universities typically reserve for graduate students.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 66.9%
- Retention Rate
- 84.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,543
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $94,915 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $94,408 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $83,546 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $81,333 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,301 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $76,460 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,706 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $74,845 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $74,576 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $73,070 |
Campus Life
Fort Collins sits about 65 miles north of Denver, giving students access to big-city internships without the urban chaos. The campus houses 8,361 students in dorms, representing about a third of the total enrollment. Colorado's 300+ days of sunshine mean you'll need both winter coats for snowy January mornings and shorts for September afternoons that hit 80 degrees.
CSU's agricultural roots show everywhere, from the working farm on campus to students in cowboy boots heading to class. The engineering and veterinary programs create a practical, hands-on culture where students spend weekends hiking in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park or biking Fort Collins' extensive trail system. With 71.90% of students from Colorado, most know how to ski and aren't afraid of altitude. The Ram pride runs deep during football season in the Mountain West Conference. Old Town Fort Collins offers craft breweries and local shops within walking distance, while the college town atmosphere means everything revolves around the academic calendar.
CSU's agricultural roots show everywhere, from the working farm on campus to students in cowboy boots heading to class. The engineering and veterinary programs create a practical, hands-on culture where students spend weekends hiking in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park or biking Fort Collins' extensive trail system. With 71.90% of students from Colorado, most know how to ski and aren't afraid of altitude. The Ram pride runs deep during football season in the Mountain West Conference. Old Town Fort Collins offers craft breweries and local shops within walking distance, while the college town atmosphere means everything revolves around the academic calendar.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 8,361 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
195 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 20 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 23 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 17 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 16 | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 20 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 9 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–45°F
- July Avg
- 58°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 15.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 51.4"
Student Demographics
The Rams draw heavily from Colorado, with about 72% of students staying close to home for the state's flagship agricultural and engineering programs. Women slightly outnumber men, reflecting strong programs beyond the traditionally male-dominated fields of agriculture and engineering. The student body is predominantly white at 70%, with growing Hispanic enrollment at nearly 16%. Only about 19% receive Pell Grants, suggesting CSU attracts middle-class families who value the combination of in-state affordability and nationally recognized programs in veterinary medicine, engineering, and agriculture.
- Men
- 45.5%
- Women
- 54.5%
- White
- 70.1%
- Black
- 2.5%
- Hispanic
- 15.6%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 71.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.9%
Location
Fort Collins sits 65 miles north of Denver in northern Colorado. The city has a population of around 170,000 and serves as a classic college town anchored by Colorado State's 25,148 students. The Front Range location provides easy access to both Rocky Mountain recreation and urban amenities. Fort Collins consistently ranks among the best places to live in America, known for its craft brewery scene, outdoor culture, and bike-friendly infrastructure. The surrounding area offers strong skiing, hiking, and camping within an hour's drive. Downtown Fort Collins blends historic charm with modern college town energy, creating a active atmosphere that attracts students from across the country. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Colorado State University-Fort Collins with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-0100
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,543
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,288
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $212/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins accepts 90.77% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1185. This high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission as a public research institution committed to serving a broad range of Colorado students.
How much does Colorado State University-Fort Collins cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,332, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,333 after aid. Graduates typically leave with $20,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $212, which is manageable given the school's strong employment outcomes.
What is Colorado State University-Fort Collins known for academically?
CSU is well-known for its veterinary medicine and agricultural programs, along with a top-ranked engineering school. With 25,148 students and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, the university combines research opportunities with hands-on learning in these flagship programs.
What are the career outcomes for Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $60,543 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 96.1% employment rate. The university's strong connections to Colorado's agricultural, engineering, and veterinary industries help explain these solid earning outcomes.
Where is Colorado State University-Fort Collins located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Fort Collins, a mid-size college city that perfectly complements the school's 25,148 students. With housing capacity for 8,361 students and an 84.83% retention rate, the campus creates a close-knit community despite its large size.
How competitive are athletics at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
The Rams compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Mountain West Conference with 364 total athletes across 12 varsity sports. The university invests $10,563,625 in athletic scholarships, reflecting its commitment to competitive Division I athletics while maintaining its focus on academics.
