UNITED STATES · FORT COLLINS
Colorado State University
public · Founded 1870 · Languages: en
In short
Colorado State University is a public research institution in Fort Collins, CO, offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs with strong research opportunities. It provides a welcoming environment with access to outdoor recreation and a vibrant campus community.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1870
- Students
- 32,428
- International students
- 2,000
- Acceptance rate
- 78%
- Tuition (intl)
- €26–15k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Fort Collins, United States
Colorado State University (CSU) is a public land-grant research institution located in Fort Collins, Colorado, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Established in 1870, CSU has grown into a vibrant university community offering a wide range of academic programs and fostering a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. The university is recognized for its commitment to teaching excellence, impactful research, and public service. CSU's annual research expenditures exceed $500 million, and its programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and engineering are nationally acclaimed.
Why study here
- Access to a wide array of graduate and undergraduate programs, including 246 graduate degrees and 71 graduate certificates.
- Engage in high-impact research across diverse fields like energy systems, robotics, aerospace, and health, with significant research expenditures.
- Benefit from a welcoming and supportive 'Ram Family' community and a strong commitment to student success, with over 90% of graduates securing career-related plans.
- Experience a vibrant student life with numerous organizations, intercollegiate sports, and opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Rocky Mountains.
- Study at a university with a strong focus on sustainability and global engagement, including strategic international partnerships and a high rate of Peace Corps volunteers.
Student life
Colorado State University offers a dynamic campus life set against the scenic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in Fort Collins. With over 475 registered student organizations, 14 intercollegiate sports programs, and numerous arts and cultural events, there are ample opportunities for engagement outside of academics. The university fosters a strong sense of community, known as the 'Ram Family,' and promotes values of inclusivity and support. Fort Collins provides an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to activities like hiking, biking, skiing, and rafting. The campus is committed to sustainability, recognized as one of the 'Greenest Universities.'
Fees
InternationalInternational tuition approximately $28,000–$34,000 USD per year for undergraduate; graduate rates vary by program.
HomeIn-state tuition approximately $9,500–$11,000 USD per year.
LivingEstimated living costs in Fort Collins approximately $12,000–$15,000 USD per year including housing, food, and transport.
Tuition rates are posted on The Hub website. Financial aid including assistantships, scholarships, and grants are available. Graduate assistants receive a stipend, tuition benefits, and health insurance contributions. Residency classification in Colorado affects tuition rates.
Admissions
Undergraduate ApplicationCommon App
Graduate ApplicationOnline application via Graduate School; specific departmental requirements apply
Bachelor's Degree (Graduate Applicants)Must be completed by the start of the graduate program from a regionally accredited institution
TranscriptsUnofficial accepted initially; official required before registering for second semester
Resume or CVFor graduate applicants, highlighting professional and volunteer experience
Statement of PurposeDescribing academic/professional interests and intended contributions to the program
Letters of RecommendationRequired for graduate applicants
TOEFL iBT72 (undergraduate); 80 (graduate)
IELTS Academic6.0 (undergraduate); 6.5 (graduate)
Duolingo110 (undergraduate); 120 (graduate)
PTE Academic58 (graduate)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings458
U.S. News & World Report (National Universities)180
U.S. News Best Online MBA in Colorado1
University scholarships
Ram Transfer ScholarshipUp to $15,000 USD (non-residents); $3,000 (residents)
Phi Theta Kappa ScholarshipUp to $18,000 USD (non-residents)
SMART Scholarship Program (DoD)Full tuition, annual stipend, and guaranteed employment
Tillman Scholars ProgramVaries — for military service members and veterans
Accreditation
CSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Individual colleges and programs hold additional specialized accreditations (AACSB for business, ABET for engineering, AVMA for veterinary medicine, and others).
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Programs
a selectionColorado State University · United States
Bachelor of Music (B.M.)
The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) program at Colorado State University is a professional degree designed to prepare students for careers in music. With various concentrations, the program aims to develop high standards in teaching, scholarship, performance, and research. Students benefit from small class sizes, instruction from highly qualified faculty, and dedicated academic advising. Admission to the B.M. concentrations requires a successful audition.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Colorado State University · United States
Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music, Performance Concentration, Voice Option
The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) with a Performance Concentration and Voice Option at Colorado State University is a professional degree designed to foster vocal, artistic, and personal growth. The program emphasizes a process-oriented approach, providing a challenging yet nurturing studio environment to build a strong vocal technique and realize individual artistry. Students work with highly qualified and experienced voice faculty throughout their studies. The first semester includes individual lesson rotations with the entire voice faculty, followed by placement with a single dedicated teacher for the remainder of the program to ensure personalized guidance.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Colorado State University · United States
CIS 675 - Agile Management and Product Development
This online course focuses on business model process optimization, managing rapid product development, and integrating constituent feedback throughout the product lifecycle. It builds upon foundational project management principles, specifically within the context of Information Technology. The course is designed for graduate students seeking to enhance their skills in managing complex projects and developing products in dynamic environments. Through this program, students will learn to navigate the challenges of iterative development and leverage feedback to drive product success.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Colorado State University · United States
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at Colorado State University focuses on advancing the practice of occupational therapy through evidence-based research and practical application. This doctoral program is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their expertise and contribute to the field through innovative capstone projects. Students engage in intensive study and research, culminating in a significant capstone project that addresses a critical need within occupational therapy practice or related communities. The program emphasizes leadership, advocacy, and the development of advanced clinical reasoning skills. Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles in various settings, influence policy, and contribute to the body of knowledge in occupational therapy. The curriculum supports students in developing independent research skills and the ability to translate research findings into practice, aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life for diverse populations.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Colorado State University · United States
Embedded Systems Graduate Certificate
This online graduate certificate program provides an introduction to embedded systems, covering fundamental hardware design and software engineering principles. You will learn to apply concepts from electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science to real-world embedded platforms. The curriculum focuses on key aspects such as security, reliability, real-time performance, predictability, power efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The program is taught by expert faculty with extensive industry and research experience, offering insights into both current and future challenges in the field of embedded systems.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Colorado State University · United States
Impact MBA
The Impact MBA program at Colorado State University's College of Business is designed for individuals who want to lead in the field of sustainable business practices. This STEM-designated MBA integrates sustainability throughout its core curriculum, moving beyond theory to provide hands-on experience in implementing and managing initiatives that create positive organizational change. It's ideal for students seeking to understand and apply Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in business. Ranked as the #1 Better World MBA program in the U.S. and among the top globally, the Impact MBA prepares graduates to meet the increasing demand for leaders who can drive responsible business practices. The program is committed to demonstrating how businesses can be a force for good, offering a unique educational experience within North America's top 5 globally recognized institutions for responsible business education.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
16 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Colorado State University?
+
International undergraduate tuition is approximately $28,000–$34,000 USD per year, while graduate rates vary by program. It's recommended to check The Hub website for the most current tuition rates.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Fort Collins?
+
Estimated living costs in Fort Collins, including housing, food, and transport, are approximately $12,000–$15,000 USD per year. This is in addition to tuition fees.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
+
For undergraduate admission, a TOEFL iBT score of 72, IELTS Academic of 6.0, or Duolingo of 110 is required. Graduate students typically need a TOEFL iBT of 80, IELTS Academic of 6.5, or Duolingo of 120.
Does Colorado State University offer scholarships or financial aid for international students?
+
Yes, financial aid, including scholarships and grants, is available. Specific scholarships like the Ram Transfer Scholarship and Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship are offered, with amounts varying by residency and program.
What kind of academic programs are available at CSU?
+
Colorado State University offers a wide array of academic programs, including 246 graduate degree programs and 71 graduate certificates, across diverse fields such as agriculture, veterinary medicine, engineering, and more.
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