Colorado State Acceptance Rate
So, you’re thinking about applying to Colorado State University, and you’re curious about your chances of admission. Well, we’re here to help! Of course, there are a lot of factors in the admissions process, and it’s impossible to accurately predict whether you’ll be admitted or not. However, the most important factors in the admissions game are your GPA and test scores. So, using those as a measure, we can give you an estimate of your chances.
With an acceptance rate of 81%, admission to Colorado State is extremely competitive. Based on our analysis, to have a good chance of being admitted, you need to be at the very top of your class and have an SAT score of close to 1200, or an ACT score of around 25.
Not quite there? Try taking our SAT prep course and you’ll still have a chance of getting in, but it’s in the single digits. Let’s take a closer look at Colorado State admission statistics.
Colorado State Admissions Statistics
Colorado State’s acceptance rate in 2017 was 9%. For students applying to the class of 2021, out of 18,556 applicants, Colorado State admitted about 14,997. The average GPA of admitted applicants was 3.59, the average ACT score was 25, and the average SAT score was 1210.
For students who took the ACT, the 25th percentile score of successful applicants was 22, and the 75th percentile score was 28.
For students who took the SAT, the 25th percentile score was 1140. The 75th percentile score was 1280.
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If you’re somewhere in the middle of these numbers, remember that a high test score can compensate for a slightly lower GPA, and vice versa. If you’re at the lower end, it helps if you’re a diverse applicant, the child of an alum, or have incredible personal achievements. Still, at the 25th percentile, your chances of getting in are in the low single digits.
Other aspects of your application, such as athletics, extracurricular and recommendations, are important, but will likely only make a difference for admission if you’re in the 75th percentile range for your GPA and SAT/ACT scores.
Even if Colorado State is your dream school, and even if you’re in the 75th percentile, you’ll still want to make sure you apply to a wide variety of schools to ensure you’ll gain admission somewhere.
Generally, you should have at least three safety schools (where you are in the 75th percentile of GPA/test scores), three reach schools (where you are in the 25th percentile of GPA/test scores) and three target schools (where you are near the average for GPA/test scores) on your list.
OK, so you’ve decided to apply. We took a look at Colorado State’s admissions requirements to help you get everything in order.
Colorado State Application Requirements
To apply to Colorado State, you’ll need to fill out either the CSU Online App or the Common App, pay the $50 application fee, submit your high school transcript, submit an ACT or SAT score, submit a Personal Statement, and a letter of recommendation from either a teacher or counselor. Everything should be submitted by December 1st for Early Action, and February 1st for Regular Decision.
Here’s a full list of application requirements:
- Fill out either the CSU Online App or the Common App
- Pay the $50 application fee
- Submit an ACT or SAT score
- Submit your high school transcript
- Submit a Personal Statement
- Submit a Letter of Recommendation from either a teacher or counselor
The application deadline is December 1st for Early Action and February 1st for Regular Decision. Early Action notifications are released December 31st, and Regular Decision applicants find out their fates on February 28th.
Have you been admitted to Colorado State? Congratulations! Below is a glimpse of what your classmates will be like.
Colorado State Admitted Students Profile
If you matriculate at Colorado State, you’ll be joining a diverse class, with students from all over the U.S. and the world, and have a chance to study in dozens of fields.
Here are some interesting facts about the recently admitted class:
- Roughly 48% are male and 52% are female
- 3.7% of students are international
Colorado State has a diverse class, as well, with a large number of people of color. The ethnicities of admitted applicants are:
- International: 3.7%
- Underrepresented minority: 3.3%
- Two or more races: 3.3%
- White: 75.4%
What do these admitted students plan to study? Colorado State offers dozens of majors, and students matriculating there pursue a wide number of subjects. Here is a list of some of the top programs:
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- Engineering
- Business
- Social Sciences
Now, how are you going to pay for this?
Colorado State Tuition Figures
At $42,016, Colorado State’s cost of attendance is astronomical. But, don’t panic! Most incoming students receive some form of financial aid, and the average award is $7,663.
Here’s a fuller look at Colorado State tuition and financial aid in 2017:
- Total budget: $42,016
- Average financial aid package: $7,663
- The average student debt of a Colorado State graduate is $25,155
Now, what is life like at Colorado State? Let’s take a look.
Colorado State Location
Colorado State’s main campus is located in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The school is the state’s first land-grant university and the crown jewel of the Colorado State University System.
Remember, you’re going to Colorado State for its excellent academics! Below is a look at what academic life will be like.
Colorado State Academics
Colorado State has dozens of majors. Some of the school’s more interesting majors are:
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Biotechnology
- Construction Management
- Creative Writing
- Equestrian/Equine Studies
- Human Nutrition
- Interior Design
- Journalism
- Landscape Architecture
- Mechanical Engineering
- Natural Resource Economics
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management
- Range Science and Management
- Sales and Marketing Operations
- Sociology
- Wildlife Biology
Now, let’s take a look at life outside the classroom at Colorado State.
Student Life at Colorado State
Colorado State has hundreds of student organizations, covering academic interests, creative and performing arts, cultural and racial initiatives, gender and sexuality affinity groups, government and politics interests, and various media and publications.
Here’s a sampling of Colorado State’s student activities:
- Agricultural Ambassadors
- Alliance Scholars
- Bioinformatics Club
- Design and Merchandising Leadership Team
- Economics Club
- Fermentation Society
- First Generation Scholars
- Geosciences Club
- Greyrock Literary Club
- Horticulture Club
- Metalsmithing Guild of CSU
- One Health Club
- Real Estate Club
- Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
- Dead Poets Society
- Metalworking
- Freeski Team of CSU
Are you an athlete? Colorado State’s got plenty of options for you.
Colorado State Athletics
Colorado State offers a large number of intercollegiate sports, with extensive varsity, as well as club, offerings, for both men and women. So, if you’re not up to varsity level, remember there are plenty of club and intramural sports to try out for, too.
Colorado State’s sports include:
- Basketball
- Football
- Cross-Country
- Swimming & Diving
- Soccer
- Golf
- Track & Field
- Tennis
Who might you become with a Colorado State degree? Let’s take a look at some well-known and successful alums:
Notable Alums
Colorado State has produced politicians, business tycoons, entertainers, musicians, media figures, and leaders in dozens of other fields.
Here’s a list of some particularly well-known alums:
- US Senator Wayne Allard
- Actor John Amos
- Actor Keith Carradine
- Astronaut Mary L. Cleave
- Comedian Leslie Jones
- MLB pitcher Mark Knudson
- Actor Jason Momoa
And this is only a partial list!
Remember!
Getting into Colorado State is somewhat competitive. Don’t despair if you get a no. If you have a strong GPA and high test scores, you have a great chance of getting into at least one of the more competitive schools. And if you don’t, remember: where you go is NOT who you are. If you work hard, you’ll end up at a school that’s right for you, and still get a great education.
If you need to boost your GPA or test scores before application time rolls around, you should consider signing up for a course with Prep Expert. We offer one-on-one tutoring and classes, both in-person and online, at locations throughout the United States.
Our expert teachers and tutors will not only share with you tried and true methods for improving your score, but also help you correct deficiencies in any subject that you’re having difficulty with—English, Writing, Mathematics or Science.
Additionally, online classes can be watched On Demand, so if you miss a class due to your busy schedule, you can catch it online later. We have helped hundreds of students get the scores they need to attend the school of their dreams.
For more test strategy, college admissions, and scholarship application tips sign up for our FREE class happening right now!
Written by Dr. Shaan Patel MD MBA
Prep Expert Founder & CEO
Shark Tank Winner, Perfect SAT Scorer, Dermatologist, & #1 Bestselling AuthorMore from Dr. Shaan Patel MD MBA
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