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

Colorado State University: A Legacy of Land-Grant Innovation and Global Impact.

Nestled in Fort Collins, Colorado State University (CSU) stands as a vibrant public land-grant research institution, a flagship of the Colorado State University System. Since its founding in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, CSU has evolved into a leading R1 university, renowned for its very high research activity and unwavering commitment to education, service, research, and extension—a motto it proudly upholds.

CSU offers a comprehensive and dynamic academic environment, preparing students for diverse careers and challenges. With Bachelor's degrees in 65 fields, Master's in 55, and Doctoral degrees in 40, alongside a professional degree in veterinary medicine, the university provides extensive opportunities for intellectual growth. Its research prowess is undeniable, with nearly half a billion dollars invested in research and development in fiscal year 2023, fueling innovation in critical areas from engines and energy conversion to atmospheric research and veterinary science.

The student experience at CSU is as rich and diverse as its academic offerings. Beyond the classroom, students thrive in a spirited campus culture, cheering on the Colorado State Rams in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Mountain West Conference. A wide array of clubs, fraternities, and sororities foster community and personal development. Graduates emerge not only with knowledge but also with a legacy of excellence, joining a prestigious alumni network that includes Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts, CEOs, and Olympic medalists.

From its humble beginnings rooted in agricultural education, CSU has consistently adapted to meet the needs of the state and the world. Its history is one of steady growth, academic expansion, and a relentless pursuit of discovery, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a high-impact education in a welcoming and innovative community.

Key Highlights

  • Classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution.
  • Invested $498.1 million in research and development in fiscal year 2023.
  • Established in 1870 as a public land-grant research university under the Morrill Act.
  • Serves a diverse student body of over 34,000, offering 65 Bachelor's, 55 Master's, and 40 Doctoral degree fields.
  • Home to the renowned James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, offering a professional degree in veterinary medicine.
  • Boasts notable alumni including Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts, and Olympic gold medalist Amy Van Dyken.
  • Competes in NCAA Division I FBS as the Colorado State Rams in the Mountain West Conference.

Timeline

1870
Founded as Colorado Agricultural College by Governor Edward M. McCook.
1874
First building, the "Claim Shanty," completed.
1879
First five students welcomed to the college.
1884
Celebrated the commencement of its first three graduates.
1887
The Hatch Act provides federal funds, significantly boosting agricultural research.
1935
Renamed Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts to reflect broader academic programs.
1957
Assumed its current name, Colorado State University.
🏛️
156 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Colorado State University-Fort Collins

🏥

Professional Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Offering comprehensive training in veterinary science, supported by 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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