Colorado State University

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Research Universities (very high research activity)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

Colorado State University History

Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. There are branch campuses known as Pingree Park Campus and Foothills Campus. The continuing education department also offers programs at the Denver Center, in Denver. The Pingree Park Campus includes classrooms and student residences, while the Foothills Campus houses many special research facilities in laboratories. Colorado State University was founded in 1870 as an agricultural college, became a state college in 1935, and received university status in 1957. The University now awards bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Colorado State University states that it believes “in academic preparation that includes the expected—books, projects and exams—and the unexpected—community outreach, field experiences, laboratory research, internships, study abroad, and more.”

The University’s origins as an agricultural college are evident in the number of agricultural and environmental courses offered. Additionally, the University maintains cooperative extension offices in 59 of 64 Colorado counties.

Colorado State was founded in 1870 as the Agricultural College of Colorado. Beginning with only two faculty members, the University officially opened its doors in 1879. Since that time, the University has accumulated 1,400 faculty, graduated 116,000 alumni, and been recognized as a Carnegie Class I Research university.

Colorado State University Academics

The University is composed of a number of different schools and colleges: the College of Agricultural Sciences, the College of Applied Human Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Natural Resources, the College of Natural Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. There is also an undergraduate Honors College.

Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in a number of different disciplines, with over 55 departments offering numerous majors and minors. Students can major in horticulture, agriculture, consumer and family studies, nutrition and food science, teacher education, engineering, arts and humanities, sciences, journalism, forestry, natural resource recreation and tourism, environmental health, and interdisciplinary studies, among others. Minors are also awarded in many of these areas.

Master’s and doctoral degrees are awarded in a large number of fields including the arts, sciences, and humanities, engineering, environmental programs, agriculture programs, health programs, sociology, education, and business. There are also a number of interdisciplinary graduate degree programs.

The University also awards a professional degree in veterinary medicine (DVM).

Colorado State offers more than 150 degree programs through 55 different academic departments. Students have the opportunity to tailor their own academic program to suit their needs and goals. The academic departments are divided among eight different colleges, including separate colleges for Natural Sciences and Natural Resources. Other academic programs include honor societies, study abroad, service learning and undergraduate research.

Colorado State University Unique Programs

Distance and online learning program exist at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

One of the most unique and innovative programs at CSU is the Undergraduate Research & Creativity program. In addition to the same scientific research experience offered to undergraduates in similar programs nationwide, the CSU program also includes the creative arts and design, for which creative projects are the real “outlet.”

CSU also offers Applied Studies in American Ethnicity, which offers a certificate in Ethnic Studies. Key issues for the program include ethnic identities in America, cultural formation, and the history of certain ethnic groups in America.

Colorado State is home to several “learning communities,” which are residential and housing communities segmented based on shared academic interests.

Colorado State University Financial Aid

In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students were $3744 in 2003-2004. Students applying from out of state and graduate students will have different costs.

Financial aid is available with a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

Incoming students must be admitted and demonstrate compliance with all eligibility criteria by February 15. Scholarship amounts and durations vary depending on previous academic performance and intended areas of study. For specific scholarship programs in a certain area of study, students should contact the appropriate department directly. CSU accepts the FAFSA, and according to the CSU website “everyone qualifies for some kind of financial aid.”

Colorado State University Students

Colorado State University has a number of special programs for research and scholarship; these include programs and corresponding facilities in infectious disease, occupational therapy, biotechnology and biosciences, a natural resource ecology laboratory, the water management science and technology program, and the Center for Environmental Toxicology and Technology. The University maintains an Environmental Learning Center. Research and laboratory facilities are located on the main campus and on the Foothill branch.

Colorado State University has one main library, and branch libraries in atmospheric sciences and veterinary medicine. The main library features a number of online resources for research, interlibrary loans, a special collection of Vietnam War literature, and assistive technology rooms for students with learning disabilities.

All incoming freshmen are required to live on campus unless they live with their parents in the Fort Collins area or are over 21 years of age. Student organizations count over 300, including student government and Greek letter groups. CSU also offers student-run media outlets, including a TV station and student magazines. The New York Times rated the Lory Student Center as one of the country’s ten best. And being located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, CSU offers students countless outdoor activities.

Colorado State University Traditions

Colorado State offers a traditional atmosphere of camaraderie and athletic success. Their fight song, school colors (green and gold) and mascot (the Ram) reflect the University’s heritage as an agricultural institution and staple in the state of Colorado. The official University seal has been the same since 1957 and is known campus-wide.

Colorado State University Local Community

Fort Collins, CO has been called on of America’s most livable cities. Money Magazine ranked it first in its “Best Places to Live” report under the category of small cities. The population is only 134,000 making it a cozy but vibrant community. Fort Collins offers big-city amenities like shopping, restaurants, and community recreational facilities. It is also within a short distance from snowboarding and skiing facilities, as well as other exciting outdoor sporting venues.