Colorado State University-Fort Collins (CSUFC) Introduction and History

Introduction

Colorado State University, also known as Colorado State and CSU, is a public research university located in the city of Fort Collins. It is Colorado’s land grant university as well as the flagship institution of the Colorado State University System.

In addition to the main Fort Collins campus, which includes a veterinary teaching hospital, the university also has two smaller campuses, Pingree Park and Foothills. The Pingree Park campus, which is just over 50 miles west of Fort Collins, is home to CSU’s Warner College of Natural Resources. The Foothills campus, approximately three miles west of the main campus, houses many special research facilities.

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Information Summary

Ranks 5th in Colorado and 263rd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	91.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$26,231
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	28 / 1280
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	16 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	83% / 52%
Enrollment Total (all students)	33,478

History

CSU was founded in 1870 as an agricultural college. It became a state college in 1935 and received university status in 1957. Today, the university awards bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees.

The institution’s origins as an agricultural college are evident in the large number of agricultural and environmental courses offered.

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Academics

CSU is comprised of several different colleges:

College of Agricultural Sciences
College of Applied Human Sciences
College of Business
College of Engineering
College of Liberal Arts
Warner College of Natural Resources
College of Natural Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

The university is also home to a Graduate School, School of the Arts, School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Education, School of Global Environmental Sustainability, and School of Social Work.

Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in over 65 fields of study. 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 nearly a hundred fields altogether, including the arts, sciences, humanities, engineering, environmental programs, agriculture programs, health programs, sociology, education, and business. There are also several interdisciplinary graduate degree programs.

Research Opportunities

CSU 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 also maintains an Environmental Learning Center. Research and laboratory facilities are located on the main campus and on the Foothill branch.

Library Resources

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

Most Popular Fields of Study

Admissions

Applications to the undergraduate programs are accepted through July 1 for the fall semester; for the spring semester the deadline is December 1. In addition to the application form, standardized test scores, and application fee, students must submit official high school transcripts, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. Among the other factors taken into account for admissions is evidence of students’ overall involvement and leadership in school, community, or family activities.

Graduate students must provide the following for admissions to the graduate school: completed application and application fee, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and additional materials as required by the department which the student is applying for admission. Students should contact the department for specific details and requirements. Graduate students are admitted by their department, and individual department should be contacted for admissions criteria.

Students applying to the College of Veterinary Medicine must apply to the university and submit a supplemental application and fee to the veterinary college. GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and transcripts are also required.

Application procedures and requirements may vary for international students and transfer students.

Financial Aid

Eligible Colorado State students may receive financial assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. 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.

Students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 2991st for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Colorado.

Students

All incoming freshmen are required to live on campus unless they live with their parents in the Fort Collins area, or they are over 21 years of age. Residence halls include 15 Learning Communities. The University Apartments also offer living options.

There are over 300 student clubs and organizations to meet virtually every personal or professional interest. CSU also offers student-run media outlets, including a TV station and student magazines. Facilities for student life on campus are generally considered to be excellent; the New York Times rated the Lory Student Center as one of the country’s ten best.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The Colorado State Rams are a member of the NCAA’s Mountain West Conference. Sports include men’s and women’s cross country, indoor and outdoor track, basketball, and golf. There is also a men’s football team as well as women’s volleyball, tennis, swimming, softball, soccer, and water polo teams.

The Intramural Sports Program, “IM Sports,” allows all members of the campus community who have a current Rec membership to get involved and have fun playing organized, recreational sports, which include badminton, basketball, flag football, floor hockey, kickball, wiffleball, table tennis, and more.

Local Community

The city of Fort Collins, situated on the Cache La Poudre River, has a population of nearly 150,000. It has been called one of America’s most livable cities and ranked as one of Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” on multiple occasions. Fort Collins offers big-city amenities like shopping, restaurants, and community recreational facilities. The city is also a short distance from snowboarding and skiing facilities, as well as other exciting outdoor sporting venues.

CSU students as well as full-time Fort Collins residents enjoy several large and small festivals put on by the Downtown Business Association throughout the year. Beer fans enjoy visiting the city’s numerous microbreweries. For those who enjoy the arts, the Fort Collins Museum and The Center for Fine Art Photography are nearby.

Colorado State University-Fort Collins