Colorado State University

Fort Collins, United States of America

Colorado State University (CSU) is a public land-grant research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Established in 1870 as Colorado Agricultural College, it is the flagship university of the Colorado State University System. Colorado State is renowned for its academic programs, research excellence, and commitment to student success.
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Frequently Asked Questions

CSU is renowned for its top-tier programs in Veterinary Medicine, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Sustainability, Engineering (especially Electrical, Mechanical, Civil), Agriculture, and Business. It's also a leading research university (R1 status) with a strong commitment to sustainability ("Green University").
CSU's main campus in Fort Collins is large (∼∼5,000 acres total, including foothills campus) with a traditional college setting. Enrollment is around 33,000+ students (undergrad & grad). Fort Collins offers a vibrant college town atmosphere near the Rocky Mountains.
The mascot is CAM the Ram! School spirit is high, especially around football games at Canvas Stadium. Students show pride through events like Homecoming, Ram Welcome, and supporting NCAA Division I Rams athletics.
Admission is holistic, but competitive. Middle 50% range for Fall 2023 admits: GPA 3.6-4.0 (unweighted), SAT 1140-1340, ACT 24-30. Meeting the middle 50% doesn't guarantee admission; essays, rigor, and activities matter. CSU is test-optional through Fall 2025.
Key deadlines: Early Action (non-binding): December 1 (priority deadline for scholarships). Regular Decision: February 1. Applications open August 1. Specific programs (e.g., Music, Art) may have earlier deadlines or require supplements.
Yes, for some competitive majors (e.g., Biomedical Sciences, Engineering disciplines, Computer Science). Admission to the university AND the specific college/major is required. You indicate your intended major on the application.
CSU is generally considered a safe campus. The CSU Police Department (CSUPD) provides 24/7 patrols, emergency phones (blue lights), safety escorts, and proactive safety education. Crime rates are relatively low compared to national averages, but vigilance is always encouraged.
Key resources: CSUPD (emergency response, reporting), SafeWalk (safety escort service), RAMSafe app (mobile blue light, friend walk, alerts), Women and Gender Advocacy Center (support, advocacy), Title IX Office, and comprehensive safety training/awareness programs.
CSU uses the Rave Alert System to send timely text/email/voice alerts for emergencies (weather, safety threats). Regular drills (e.g., fire, active harmer) are conducted. Emergency procedures are widely communicated.
CSU offers the Exploratory Studies program specifically for undecided students. It provides dedicated advising, major exploration courses (e.g., UNIV 192), and resources to help you find the right fit before declaring a major (usually by sophomore year).
Yes, changing majors is common. You work with academic advisors in your current college and the college you wish to enter. Some majors have specific GPA requirements or competitive entry processes ("Change of Major" criteria).
Absolutely! CSU emphasizes undergraduate research. Opportunities exist through the Office for Undergraduate Research and Artistry (OURA), individual faculty labs (ask professors!), programs like CURC (Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creativity), and specific departmental initiatives.
CSU offers merit-based President's Scholarship Programs (automatic consideration with application by Dec 1). Also, the Stalwart Scholarship (Colorado residents), Land Grant Scholarship (need-based), Boettcher (Colorado), and numerous departmental/college-specific scholarships (separate application often required).
The priority deadline for maximum financial aid consideration (including grants, work-study, some scholarships) is December 1. File the FAFSA (federal aid) or CASFA (CO ASSET students) as early as possible each year (opens Oct 1).
Yes, Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based program offering part-time jobs (on-campus or approved off-campus non-profits). Eligibility is determined via FAFSA/CASFA. Students apply for FWS-eligible positions through Handshake.
Fort Collins (pop. ∼170,000) is a vibrant, bike-friendly college town consistently ranked highly for quality of life. It offers a historic downtown ("Old Town"), abundant outdoor recreation (hiking, biking, river), a thriving craft beer scene, diverse restaurants, and a strong sense of community. Denver is about 65 miles south.
Yes, all first-time, first-year students (under 21, not living with parents/guardians within 30 miles) are required to live in university residence halls for their first two semesters. Many students live off-campus in apartments/houses after that.
CSU offers traditional residence halls, suite-style halls, and apartment-style living (for upperclassmen/families). Options include Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) themed around academics/interests. Amenities vary but include dining halls, study spaces, laundry, and community activities.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in the US related to their major. Standard OPT: Up to 12 months total per degree level. STEM OPT Extension: An additional 24 months available for eligible STEM degree holders. Requires application to USCIS with recommendation from CSU's International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS).
CSU's International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) provides dedicated advising on OPT/CPT, workshops, application support, and immigration regulation guidance. The Career Center offers resources for international job searches (resume help, networking events, employer connections).
You can apply up to 90 days before your program end date (completion date on I-20) and no later than 60 days after your program end date. However, USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of ISSS issuing your OPT I-20 recommendation. Apply early! ISSS processing and USCIS review take significant time. Consult ISSS advisors well in advance.

University Of Colorado State University Application Statistics

33875
25690
7370
1468
23
78 %
$ 29885
$ 13150
$ 2560
2.8
30
65 %
1200
25
6.5
550
305
153
152

University Of Colorado State University Application Statistics

33875
25690
7370
1468
23
78 %
$ 29885
$ 13150
$ 2560
2.8
30
65 %
1200
25
6.5
550
305
153
152

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