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CSU

Colorado State University

Ranked #409 QS World University Rankings 2024

Founded
1870
Total students
33,877
International students
2,000
Student to staff ratio
17:1
Nationalities represented
112

Why Colorado State University?

Founded in 1870, Colorado State University (CSU) is one of the nation’s top public research universities. Located in the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Fort Collins, the university is only an hour from Denver, Colorado. 

CSU is recognized internationally in diverse and critical fields, such as cancer research, atmospheric science, animal science, climate change, forest and wildlife management, engineering and water management. 

At CSU, you’ll have the opportunity to create a unique academic path that’s designed around your goals. You’ll join a supportive campus with award-winning faculty, 2,500+ international students from 112 countries and access to resources that will help you discover your passions.  

151U.S. News & World Report – Best National Rankings 2024
409QS World University Rankings 2024

Campus and location

Colorado State University campuses

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Main campus
CSU campus image

Fort Collins Campus

Fort Collins is a community that blends education and industry, hard work and recreation, tradition and progress. For a college experience with the perfect fusion of adventure and opportunity, look no further than Fort Collins.

Costs and Entry Requirements

Typical costs

Below you'll find the yearly estimated cost of attendance at Colorado State University. 

Note: your tuition fees, accommodation prices and food costs will vary depending on your chosen degree, student residence and personal spending habits.  

Academic year
2023/24

Cost

Approximate amount per year (USD)

Tuition Fees

$31,766 - $32,734

Accommodation

$9,750 - $11,420

Meals

$6,410 - $7,890

Insurance

$3,222 - $3,222

ESTIMATED TOTAL

$51,148

-

$55,266

Scholarships

Undergraduate ScholarshipsThis link will open in a new tab

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements for Colorado State University are shown below. Please note that specific admission requirements may vary based on academic program.

Academic Entry Requirements

GPA: 3.0 (SAT is required for undergraduate declared art, business, journalism, engineering, comuter science and biomedical sciences. If SAT is not provided students will be admitted undeclared in their field.)

English Language Requirements

IELTS: 6 Note: students may be granted full admission with lower scores of 5.5 IELTS however they would need to complete an English test that may result in EAP coursework being required alongisde regular coursework for 1-2 semesters. TOEFL: 72 Note: students may be granted full admission with lower scores of 60-71 TOEFL however they would need to complete an English test that may result in EAP coursework being required alongisde regular coursework for 1-2 semesters. Duolingo: 110 PTEA: 50+ Other Tests: Successful completion of the Intensive English Program (IEP) at CSU

Typical costs

Below you'll find the yearly estimated cost of attendance at Colorado State University. 

Note: your tuition fees, accommodation prices and food costs will vary depending on your chosen degree, student residence and personal spending habits.  

Academic year
2023/24

Cost

Approximate amount per year (USD)

Tuition Fees

$31,766 - $32,734

Accommodation

$9,750 - $11,420

Meals

$6,410 - $7,890

Insurance

$3,222 - $3,222

ESTIMATED TOTAL

$51,148

-

$55,266

Scholarships

Graduate ScholarshipsThis link will open in a new tab

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements for Colorado State University are shown below. Please note that specific admission requirements may vary based on academic program.

Academic Entry Requirements

GPA: 3.0 (SAT is required for undergraduate declared art, business, journalism, engineering, comuter science and biomedical sciences. If SAT is not provided students will be admitted undeclared in their field.)

English Language Requirements

IELTS: 6.5+ TOEFL: 80+ PTEA: 28+

Top Ranked Subjects

80

Psychology

82

Computer Science

Careers

CSU can help students make their mark in their industry:  

  • 85% of graduates secured plans within six months of graduation.  

  • 600+ companies have hired international graduate students for OPT/CPT.  

  • $58,000 is the average starting salary for undergraduate students, according to the CSU First Destination Report.  

  • $79,000 is the average starting salary for international graduate students, according to the CSU First Destination Report

Accommodation

Information about accommodation can be found on CSU’s website.

University accommodation pageThis link will open in a new tab

Services and facilities

CSU Facilities 

CSU has invested $1.6 billion into their campus over the last 10 years. These state-of-the-art buildings bring cutting-edge technology, innovative labs and inspiring classroom spaces to students' learning experiences: 

  • The Michael Smith Natural Resources Building 

  • The Suzanne and Walter Scott Jr. Bioengineering Building 

  • The Nancy Richardson Design Center 

  • The Powerhouse Energy Campus  

Sustainability Initiatives  

CSU leads the way when it comes to the best buildings and practices. We’ve been recognized as the most sustainable campus in the world, according to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education 2023.  

How to apply

How to apply

Application deadlines

Fall: February 1 (then rolling) Spring: November 1 (then rolling) For Graduate: Application deadline to apply varies by department. Check with your department to determine the deadline. Graduate INTO GAF: Fall Application Impact MBA, MCIS, MFIN: Priority deadline February 1st, Final deadline May 1st. Spring Application MCIS only deadline October 1st .

Application documents required to receive an offer

High School Transcripts High School Diploma Passport English Test Score Accounting Of Time: If applicable University Transcript (transfer students) Proof of Degree (transfer students) Reference Letters: 1 letter of recommendation required for freshman only Personal Statement: Required for freshman only Unofficial documents are permitted for evaluation purposes. Official documents should be sent by mail to the school prior to arrival. Colorado State University, Office of Admissions, 1062 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523, Tel: 970-491-6909

Testing codes

TOEFL: 4075 SAT: 4075 ACT: 504 GRE: 4075 GMAT: department specific

Post-offer process

Confirmation deadlines

Fall: approximately 1 month prior to orientation. Students must have enough time to get their visa approved in their country of residence. Spring: approximately 1 month prior to orientation. Students must have enough time to get their visa approved in their country of residence. Confirmation dates may change but usually take around 2-3 weeks from receiving the application.

Preparing for arrival

Before arrival

Create Online Student Account: https://international.colostate.edu/isss/resources/pre-arrival/create-your-eid-2/ Register for Orientation: http://orientation.colostate.edu/international-orientation.aspx - Prior to Ram Orientation, international students awarded clear admission must complete the International Student Online Pre-Orientation Module to receive pre-arrival information and to register for courses. Instructions for the online Pre-Orientation module are emailed to your university email account several weeks prior to the start of the term and should be completed as soon as possible. You must reserve your spot in the on-campus Ram Orientation to receive the Pre-Orientation information. Apply for Housing (On-Campus and/or Off-Campus): Freshmen are required to live on campus and are guaranteed housing. Off-Campus Life can support transfer students who choose to live off campus. The on-campus housing application requires a $350 deposit. Airport Transfer Options Available: https://international.colostate.edu/isss/resources/transportation/ Complete Immunization and Health Forms: https://health.colostate.edu/new-student-checklist/ Enroll in Student Health Insurance: https://health.colostate.edu/new-student-checklist/ Take Placement Tests (Math, English, etc.) Submit Final/Official Transcripts and Test Scores: https://admissions.colostate.edu/submitting-documents/

After arrival

Attend Orientation: http://orientation.colostate.edu/international-orientation.aspx Pay Remaining Tuition and Fees if applicable How to Pay Health Screening

How to apply

Apply via https://apply.partnerportal.intoglobal.com/ for M.C.I.S., M.F.I.N, and Impact MBA

For all other programs apply via the University website and submit a DEW form https://gradadmissions.colostate.edu/apply/ https://dewaiverform.intoglobal.com/ Application Fee: $70.00

Application deadlines

Fall: varies by program Spring: varies by program For Graduate: Application deadline to apply varies by department. Check with your department to determine the deadline. Graduate INTO GAF: Fall Application Impact MBA, MCIS, MFIN: Priority deadline February 1st, Final deadline May 1st. Spring Application MCIS only deadline October 1st .

Application documents required to receive an offer

Passport English Test Score: Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than or in addition to English. This includes the United States territories of America Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico. University Transcript Proof of Degree GRE/GMAT: Contact the academic department to verify whether the GRE/GMAT is required. For program contact information, please visit our program pages. Portfolio Reference Letters: A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation are required from previous instructors or employers who are able to comment on your abilities and potential for graduate study. Personal Statement/Essay Unofficial documents are permitted for evaluation purposes. Work Experience

Testing codes

TOEFL: 4075 SAT: 4075 ACT: 504 GRE: 4075 GMAT: department specific

Post-offer process

Confirmation deadlines

Fall: varies by program Spring: varies by program Confirmation dates may change but usually take around 2-3 weeks from receiving the application.

Preparing for arrival

Before arrival

Create Online Student Account Register for Orientation: The Graduate School is offering a Virtual New Student Orientation regarding graduate student life. The content is intended for resident-instruction students attending courses on campus. This is a good introduction to many of the resources available at the Graduate School and includes a brief presentation on the ethical conduct of research. Apply for Housing (On-Campus and/or Off-Campus): University Apartments are affordable and convenient options for all Rams who have met the first-year Live On requirement. Offering studio, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments to residents from around the world, University Housing provides a variety of spaces for students of all types who wish to live in an academically supportive and interactive community. Our apartment communities are open to students in their second undergraduate year and above, in a graduate program, those 23 years of age and older, post-doctoral fellows, and students with families. If you are interested in living off campus, Off-Campus Life offers services to students. Airport Transfer Options Available Complete Immunization and Health Forms Enroll in Student Health Insurance: All full-fee paying resident-instruction graduate students enrolled in six credits or more are required to enroll in the CSU student health insurance plan or to opt-out by demonstrating health insurance coverage at a comparable level. For more information, please review the Mandatory Health Insurance page. Submit Final/Official Transcripts and Test Scores: Once you receive your Notice of Graduate Admission, review it and submit any documents that are required to the Graduate School. Delays in submitting the required documentation may prevent you from registering. Please send final transcripts to the Graduate School:

After arrival

Attend Orientation: https://graduateschool.colostate.edu/orientation/ Register for Classes Pay Remaining Tuition and Fees if applicable: Log in to RAMweb to enroll in classes, pay tuition, access grades and more. Online students enroll through CSU Online. All students drop courses through RAMweb Health Screening

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