Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research institution based in Fort Collins, Colorado. It has around 33,000 students enrolled and has a rich campus life with close association with research and community involvement. Admissions are relatively competitive, and the acceptance rate stands at around 90%. Business, Engineering, Biological Sciences, Psychology, and Agricultural Sciences are the most preferred courses. CSU has a six-year graduation rate of around 70%, with its graduates holding a median salary of around INR 63,50,000 (translating from $76,600 median income ten years after graduation).
University of Colorado Boulder, also known as CU Boulder, is a flagship public research university situated in Boulder, Colorado, and within the University of Colorado system. It is marginally larger, with an enrollment of around 37,000 students. Admissions are competitive with an acceptance rate of approximately 81%. Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Environmental Science, and Social Sciences are some of the most preferred majors. CU Boulder has a six-year graduation rate of approximately 73%, and its graduates have a reported median salary of approximately INR 68,00,000 (equivalent to $82,100 median earnings ten years post-graduation).
| Colorado State University | University of Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.5 Out of 10 | 5.7 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 458 QS World University 2026 # 501 Times Higher Education 2026 # 276 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 159 Times Higher Education 2026 # 299 QS World University 2026 # 75 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 371 for Engineering by QS World University 2025 # 401 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 | # 20 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 351 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 46 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -172 PG Programs -81 Doctorate Programs -23 | UG Programs -85 PG Programs -65 |
| Acceptance Rate | 90.0 % | 81.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1100 TOEFL-80 | GMAT-693 IELTS-6.5 SAT-1150 TOEFL-100 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 31084 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 28316 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 24566 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 39020 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 33946 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 26426 Per Year |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.6/10 Read 4 reviews | 7.4/10 Read 5 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 151 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 501 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 79 for Business by US News 2025 # 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 401 for Business by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160GRE - 308/340IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 80/120 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 54/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -44825 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -35098 |
| application dates | May 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) | Mar 5, 2025 (Final Application Deadline for 2026 Intake) Jul 30, 2025 (GyanDhan Postgraduate Scholarship Deadline) Aug 1, 2025 (Course Start Date for 2025 Intake) Oct 7, 2025 (Round 1 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake) Dec 2, 2025 (Round 2 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake) Feb 3, 2026 (Round 3 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake) Feb 5, 2026 (Tuition and fee bill payment deadline) Feb 13, 2026 (Enrollment deadline for Health Insurance Selection) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Colorado State University | University of Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1876 | |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 19:1 |
| Male:Female | 48% Male, 52% Female | 51% Male, 49% Female |
| Hostel | #Off campus (not with family) - $10332 #On campus - $11974 #Off campus (with family) - $2260 | #Off campus (not with family) - $12428 #On campus - $13998 |
| Weather |
Colorado State University vs University of Colorado Boulder
Field Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Fort Collins home of Colorado State University (CSU) is a highly respected state research university rated in the top 401-501 in the world according to QS and Times Higher Education. It excels particularly in veterinary medicine (top 5 globally), agriculture, environmental science, and engineering.
University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), Boulder, tends to place higher, generally among the top 143 globally. It is specifically well known for physics, aerospace engineering, environmental science, computer science, and business. CU Boulder is also a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).
General Information
CSU Fort Collins is a land-grant institution with approximately 26,000 undergrads and a student population of approximately 34,000. It has over 250 programs at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
CU Boulder is a bigger flagship school of the University of Colorado system, having around 31,000 students, including 24,000 undergrads. Its location in Boulder offers proximity to research centers, startups, and cultural events.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Colorado State University is about 90% open, making it generally inclusive. Students usually require a solid high school track record, for which test scores are optional.
CU Boulder is more exclusive, at about 81% acceptance. Admissions look at GPA, essays, and extracurriculars. It draws a greater percentage of out-of-state and international students than CSU.
Research Impact & Facilities
CSU is a Carnegie R1 research institution with state-of-the-art facilities in veterinary medicine, agriculture, atmospheric science, and renewable energy. Its Veterinary Teaching Hospital is an international leader.CU Boulder is also a Carnegie R1 research university and is home to federally funded laboratories like NOAA, NIST, and LASP. It is a national powerhouse in aerospace, quantum physics, climate science, and computer science.
Cost & Financial Aid
At CSU, the tuition is roughly $12,500 annually (in-state) and $33,000 (out-of-state) for undergrads, not including living expenses.
At CU Boulder, it's a bit more expensive: approximately $14,700 annually (in-state) and $40,000 (out-of-state). Both institutions offer scholarships, financial aid, and assistantships to deserving students, but CSU is most often said to be more affordable.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
CSU graduates rank highly in agricultural, veterinary science, environmental, engineering, and business professions. Its alumni base is particularly strong in Colorado and the Mountain West.CU Boulder graduates are most in demand for aerospace, computer science, environmental industries, entrepreneurship, and research-based careers. Its network of alumni is larger and more internationally known with stronger ties to technology and innovation sectors.
