DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 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

How Much Do APs Matter at Colorado State University?

50 AP Impact Score
AP Impact Score: 50/100

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.

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

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:

For Biological Sciences (15% of students)
  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Statistics
For Engineering (10% of students)
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Physics C: Mechanics
  • AP Physics C: E&M
  • AP Chemistry
For Social Sciences (8% of students)
  • AP U.S. History
  • AP Government
  • AP Economics (Macro/Micro)

AP Strategy for Colorado State University Applicants

3-5 strong AP courses is solid
Colorado State University values AP coursework as evidence of academic preparation. Focus on scoring well (4-5).
Score high for credit
Most colleges require a 4 or 5 to grant credit. AP credits can save you a semester of tuition — that's $15,000-$30,000 in real savings.
Match APs to your intended major
Admissions officers notice when your AP choices align with your stated interests.

Colorado State University AP Credit FAQs

Does Colorado State University accept AP credit?
Yes — Colorado State University grants college credit for qualifying AP exam scores. Given Colorado State University's 89.6% acceptance rate, its AP credit policy is standard: expect scores of 3 or higher to earn credit. Specific cutoffs vary by department — check Colorado State University's registrar for the official table.
What AP score does Colorado State University require for credit?
At Colorado State University, most departments require scores of 3 or higher for credit. STEM subjects (Calculus BC, Physics C, Chemistry, Biology) tend to require the highest scores; humanities subjects are sometimes more lenient. Languages and AP Statistics are usually accepted at 3+.
How many AP credits can I transfer to Colorado State University?
Colorado State University typically caps total AP credit at 30-32 (one full year of college). Even if you score 5 on 10 APs, the credit policy will limit how much actually counts toward your degree — though high scores still help with course placement and GE exemptions.
Do AP courses help me get into Colorado State University?
Yes — AP courses improve your application by signaling academic rigor. Colorado State University's admissions evaluates 'rigor of secondary school record' as a factor. AP scores themselves are usually not required for admission, but scores of 4-5 strengthen the application alongside transcript rigor.
▎FROM THE DATA TO YOUR LIST

Plug your stats in. We'll tell you where you stand.

Browse all schools

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.