DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 100 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
CAMPUS · FORT COLLINS, CO · PUBLIC

Colorado State University

Colorado State University-Fort Collins
89.6%
ACCEPT
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International
74
FIT
SAFETY
Colorado State University is a safety for most applicants.
Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.
ACCEPTANCE
89.6%
of 36,612 applicants
SALARY · 10-YR
$60,543
across all majors
01

Colorado State University at a Glance

89.6%
Acceptance Rate
36,856
Total Enrollment
$60,543
Median Salary (10yr)
$20,000
Median Debt
19.0%
Pell Grant Rate

Colorado State University Rankings

Ranking2025Year
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 NameColorado State University-Fort Collins
LocationFort Collins, CO 80523-0100
TypePublic
Websitecolostate.edu/
Total Enrollment36,856
Undergrad Enrollment27,893
Female Students54.6%

Is Colorado State University a Reach, Match, or Safety?

Colorado State University accepts 89.6% of applicants, making it accessible for most qualified students. If you meet the basic academic requirements, this is likely a Safety school for you.

Your ProfileColorado State University Is...What to Do
Meet academic requirements Safety Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average Match Apply — still realistic

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 IncomeAnnual Net Price4-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

Percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Biological Sciences
14.7%
Business/Marketing
13.3%
Engineering
10.0%
Social Sciences
8.2%
Agriculture
6.6%
Family Sciences
6.2%
Parks/Recreation
5.3%
Psychology
5.2%
Communication
5.0%
Computer Science
3.9%
Visual/Performing Arts
3.3%
Engineering Technology
3.0%
Multidisciplinary
2.0%

Student Demographics

White
70.0%
Black/African American
2.4%
Hispanic/Latino
15.5%
Asian
3.2%
International
2.4%

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.

89.6%
Acceptance Rate
36,612
Total Applicants

What Colorado State University Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

FactorImportance
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

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.

DeadlineDate
Priority DeadlineDec 1
Regular DecisionFeb 1
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)Mar 1
Rolling Admissions: Colorado State University reviews applications as they arrive. Apply early for the best chance at admission and financial aid.

Financial Aid & Student Debt

19.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$20,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$49,748
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado State University

What is Colorado State's acceptance rate?
Colorado State has an acceptance rate of 89.6%, making it accessible to most qualified applicants. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What are the most popular majors at Colorado State?
The most popular majors at Colorado State by degrees awarded are: Biological Sciences (14.7%), Business/Marketing (13.3%), Engineering (10.0%), Social Sciences (8.2%), Agriculture (6.6%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Colorado State graduates earn?
Colorado State graduates earn a median salary of $60,543 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Colorado State worth the cost?
With median earnings of $60,543 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $20,000, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Colorado State a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
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More About Colorado State University

Colorado State University Acceptance Rate Colorado State University Tuition & Cost Transfer to Colorado State University Colorado State University Salary & ROI Colorado State University AP Credit Best Majors at Colorado State University Colorado State University Housing International at Colorado State University

Other Colleges in CO

University of Colorado Boulder
83.3% accept · Boulder

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Colorado State University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.