University of Colorado Boulder vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Admission Difficulty: CU Boulder is more selective with an 80.73% acceptance rate compared to CSU's 90.77%, making Boulder moderately more competitive for admission.
Cost and Value: CSU offers better affordability with in-state tuition of $12,896 versus Boulder's $16,430. Out-of-state students pay $33,751 at CSU compared to $41,943 at Boulder. Net prices are similar at $20,332 (CSU) and $21,480 (Boulder), with comparable debt levels around $20,000.
Academic Strengths: Boulder maintains a stronger academic profile with a 75% six-year graduation rate versus CSU's 66.9%. Boulder also shows higher retention at 89.17% compared to CSU's 84.83%. CSU provides a slightly better student-faculty ratio of 17:1 versus Boulder's 19:1.
Campus Experience: Boulder serves 31,578 students while CSU enrolls 25,148, creating different campus atmospheres. Both offer NCAA Division I athletics and active campus communities.
Outcomes: Boulder graduates earn higher median salaries at $69,738 compared to CSU's $60,543, representing a $9,195 annual advantage that can significantly impact long-term financial returns.
Student Fit: CU Boulder suits students seeking higher academic rigor and stronger earning potential who can handle more competition, while CSU Fort Collins appeals to students prioritizing affordability, smaller class sizes, and a more accessible academic environment.
Admission Difficulty: CU Boulder is more selective with an 80.73% acceptance rate compared to CSU's 90.77%, making Boulder moderately more competitive for admission.
Cost and Value: CSU offers better affordability with in-state tuition of $12,896 versus Boulder's $16,430. Out-of-state students pay $33,751 at CSU compared to $41,943 at Boulder. Net prices are similar at $20,332 (CSU) and $21,480 (Boulder), with comparable debt levels around $20,000.
Academic Strengths: Boulder maintains a stronger academic profile with a 75% six-year graduation rate versus CSU's 66.9%. Boulder also shows higher retention at 89.17% compared to CSU's 84.83%. CSU provides a slightly better student-faculty ratio of 17:1 versus Boulder's 19:1.
Campus Experience: Boulder serves 31,578 students while CSU enrolls 25,148, creating different campus atmospheres. Both offer NCAA Division I athletics and active campus communities.
Outcomes: Boulder graduates earn higher median salaries at $69,738 compared to CSU's $60,543, representing a $9,195 annual advantage that can significantly impact long-term financial returns.
Student Fit: CU Boulder suits students seeking higher academic rigor and stronger earning potential who can handle more competition, while CSU Fort Collins appeals to students prioritizing affordability, smaller class sizes, and a more accessible academic environment.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of Colorado Boulder | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 80.7% | 90.8% |
| SAT Average | 1,275 | 1,185 |
| Enrollment | 31,578 | 25,148 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,430 | $12,896 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,943 | $33,751 |
| Net Price | $21,480 | $20,332 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.0% | 66.9% |
| Retention Rate | 89.2% | 84.8% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $69,738 | $60,543 |
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $20,000 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of Colorado Boulder | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Science. | $75,921 | Fire Protection. | $81,333 |
| Computer Engineering. | $75,204 | Computer Engineering. | $75,706 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $71,957 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $73,070 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | $71,255 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $71,778 |
| Engineering Physics. | $69,338 | Construction Engineering Technologies. | $71,015 |