Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Colorado State admits approximately 89.6% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Colorado State in the Open Access category for admission selectivity, making the university accessible to a broad range of students.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows that Colorado State admits students at a rate 11.5 percentage points higher than typical institutions in its comparison group. This open access approach reflects the university's mission to serve Colorado residents and provide educational opportunity to students with diverse academic backgrounds.

The high acceptance rate means that most academically qualified students who apply can expect admission, though meeting minimum requirements and completing applications thoroughly remains important. For students building college lists, Colorado State represents a more accessible option compared to highly selective universities, while still delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.

Students should focus on demonstrating genuine interest in their academic programs and explaining how they plan to take advantage of Colorado State's resources and opportunities. The open admission environment means students can approach their applications with confidence while still presenting their strongest academic and personal qualifications.

Colorado State's published cost of attendance reaches $29,696 per year, including $12,896 in-state tuition, $15,606 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $33,751, bringing their total cost to $50,551.

However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid. The average net price across all income levels is $20,332, representing savings of $9,364 from the published price.

This net price sits $4,742 higher than the peer median of $15,590, indicating that Colorado State costs more than typical institutions in its comparison group. The university's financial aid strategy focuses on making education accessible while covering operational costs for a large public research institution.

Net prices vary substantially by family income, ranging from $11,333 for the lowest-income families to $28,684 for the highest-income families. This progressive pricing structure ensures that students from different economic backgrounds can access Colorado State's academic programs and career outcomes.

The cost structure reflects Colorado State's positioning as a comprehensive public research university that balances accessibility with the resources needed to deliver quality education across diverse academic programs.

Colorado State graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time, with outcomes based on substantial cohort sizes providing high confidence in reported figures. Median earnings rise from $49,748 six years after enrollment to $56,079 at eight years and $60,543 at ten years, representing 21.7% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect data from a ten-year cohort of 6,127 graduates, ensuring statistical reliability. Graduates earn $2,708 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Colorado State in the 66.4th percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates earn $52,000, demonstrating the institution's ability to support economic advancement for students from lower-income backgrounds. Earnings span from $40,471 at the 25th percentile to $88,212 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 24.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.

Colorado State offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data available for analysis. Artificial Intelligence ranks #34 nationally and #1 in Colorado, producing 137 graduates with median earnings of $101,356 and a value score of 83.6.

Construction Engineering Technology ranks #10 nationally and #1 in Colorado, graduating 149 students with median earnings of $90,253 and a value score of 71.0. Mechanical Engineering ranks #71 nationally and #1 in Colorado, with 218 graduates earning $83,877 and a value score of 68.6.

Business Administration and Management ranks #66 nationally and #2 in Colorado, representing the university's largest program with 705 graduates earning $66,656. Adult Development and Aging ranks #26 nationally and #1 in Colorado, graduating 296 students with median earnings of $41,685.

The university's program portfolio spans engineering, business, sciences, and liberal arts, providing diverse pathways to career success.