Colorado State University-Fort Collins logo

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

"Education, Service, Research, Extension"

1870
Founded
Public land-grant research university
Type
25,148
Total Students
26,839
Undergrad
6,862
Graduate
$624M
Endowment
(2024)
$13K
Tuition (In-State)
$34K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
90%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
6-year
85%
Retention Rate
#148
us_news
(2025)
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Amy Parsons

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Colorado State University-Fort Collins

CSU: A top-tier public research university rooted in land-grant excellence.

Colorado State University, affectionately known as CSU, stands as a vibrant public land-grant research university nestled in the heart of Fort Collins, Colorado. Established in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, its foundational spirit of "Education, Service, Research, Extension" continues to drive its mission. From its early days focused on agricultural advancement, CSU has blossomed into a comprehensive institution, earning the prestigious "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" classification, reflecting its deep commitment to groundbreaking discovery and societal impact.

Today, CSU offers an expansive academic landscape across eight colleges and 55 academic departments. Prospective students can explore Bachelor's degrees in 65 fields, Master's in 55, and Doctoral degrees in 40, alongside a distinguished professional degree in veterinary medicine. This breadth is supported by an impressive research enterprise, with the university spending nearly $500 million on research and development in fiscal year 2023. Facilities like the Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory, the University Center for the Arts, and the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital underscore its dedication to hands-on learning and cutting-edge inquiry.

Beyond academics, CSU cultivates a dynamic student experience. With over 34,000 students, the campus buzzes with activity, from NCAA Division I athletics as the Colorado State Rams to a myriad of clubs and organizations. The university boasts a proud tradition of notable alumni, including Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts, CEOs, and Marshall Scholars, showcasing the profound impact CSU graduates make across diverse fields. The dedicated faculty, including Fulbright Scholars and members of national academies, ensure a world-class educational environment, preparing students to lead and innovate.

Key Highlights

  • Classified as an R1: Doctoral University with "Very high research activity."
  • Founded in 1870 as a public land-grant institution with an enduring mission of "Education, Service, Research, Extension."
  • A thriving student body of over 34,000, fostering a dynamic campus environment in Fort Collins.
  • Committed to extensive research, investing $498.1 million in R&D in fiscal year 2023.
  • Offers comprehensive academic programs: 65 Bachelor's, 55 Master's, 40 Doctoral degrees, and a professional degree in veterinary medicine.
  • Features prominent research centers and facilities, including the Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory and the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
  • Home to a distinguished alumni network including Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts, and CEOs.

Timeline

1870
Founded as Colorado Agricultural College
1877
State Board of Agriculture created to govern the school
1879
First five students welcomed on September 1
1884
Celebrated the commencement of its first three graduates
1887
Hatch Act provides federal funds to establish experiment stations
1903
Women's basketball team won the first unofficial athletic championship
1916
Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) unit established on campus
1935
Name changed to Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (Colorado A&M)
1957
Assumed its current name, Colorado State University
🏛️
156 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Colorado State University-Fort Collins

🏥

Professional Veterinary Medicine Program

Offers a professional degree in veterinary medicine, supported by facilities like the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Rankings

#148

us news

2025

#330

forbes

2025

News & Articles

The Chronicle of Higher Education | Higher Ed News, Opinion ...

_The Chronicle_ is tracking executive orders, statements from Trump, and agency actions that affect higher education, plus legal challenges directed at those measures. Here’s the latest. We’ve documented actions taken to alter or eliminate jobs, offices, hiring practices, and programs amid pressure to end identity-conscious recruitment and retention of minority staff and students. Legislators want to get rid of diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, end diversity trainings, banish diversity

The Washington Post - Breaking news and latest headlines, U.S. news, world news, and video - The Washington Post

The Washington Post - Breaking news and latest headlines, U.S. news, world news, and video - The Washington Post [Logo of The Washington Post](https://washingtonpost.com/?itid=masthead) Democracy Dies in Darkness * [ Politics ](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/?itid=hp_top_nav_politics) * [ Opinions ](https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/?itid=hp_top_nav_opinions) * [ Style ](https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/?itid=hp_top_nav_style) * [ Investigations ](https://www.washingtonpost.co

Jim Mora makes bold promise for Colorado State's football ...

Jim Mora makes bold promise for Colorado State's football future - The Washington Post Democracy Dies in Darkness [Colleges](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/)# Jim Mora makes bold promise for Colorado State's football future Jim Mora has taken over as head coach at Colorado State, a position he first showed interest in back in 2019 December 2, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. ESTJust now ![]() UConn head coach Jim Mora talks with an official during the first half of an NCAA college foo

Jim Mora makes bold promise for Colorado State's football ...

Jim Mora makes bold promise for Colorado State's football future - The Washington Post Democracy Dies in Darkness [Colleges](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/)# Jim Mora makes bold promise for Colorado State's football future Jim Mora has taken over as head coach at Colorado State, a position he first showed interest in back in 2019 December 2, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. ESTJust now ![]() UConn head coach Jim Mora talks with an official during the first half of an NCAA college foo

Air Force Falcons vs Colorado State Rams Box Score - November 29, 2025 - The Athletic

Advertisement [Air Force](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/college-football/team/air-force-falcons-college-football/) (0-0) [![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20version='1.1'%20width='56'%20height='56'/%3E)![Air Force logo](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)\ \ ![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20version='1.1'%20width='56'%20height='56'/%3E)![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20width=%2224

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