About Colorado State University
Colorado State University, once a land-grant institution, is a four-year public university providing reputable research opportunities and advantages to degree-seeking students. A diverse and dynamic community of learners is supported by accessible, challenging undergraduate and graduate programs led by experienced, student-centered faculty. Innovative and inclusive, CSU sets educational standards high, creating a rewarding academic experience.
Colorado State University offers online programs to nontraditional students. Online bachelor’s degrees are available in journalism, horticulture, agricultural business, and more. Graduate students may take advantage of flexible master’s and doctorate degrees. Advanced programs include agriculture, business, engineering, and many more. Access the same faculty who teach on-campus through affordable, flexible online learning at CSU.
Read More ↓ Show Less ↑
Accreditation & Licensing
Colorado State University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
9,168Fully Online Graduate Students:
35%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$20,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
57%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$11,675Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesCSU can be a workable path to finish, but planning continuity matters. Course progress is easier when advising stays stable, and advisor turnover can disrupt sequencing and slow time to completion. In one reported case, a student went through three advisors, which can make long-term degree mapping harder.
Cost lands differently across students. CSU is framed by some as affordable for a Colorado public university, while others felt price pressure even with in-state tuition and scholarships. A listed annual tuition figure of $34,783 sets a clear baseline, so completion value depends on how aid and course planning line up term by term.
At Colorado State, many students say professors reply quickly and stay involved. They are easy to reach when classwork gets tough. That steady support gives students a trusted place to turn for help.
Advising can be less consistent. Some students say they changed advisors or felt their goals were not fully understood. Even so, many students keep moving forward with strong faculty support and clear guidance from instructors.
Overall, support is strongest when students build direct, ongoing relationships with professors. Early connections often lead to steadier help and clearer next steps.
CSU online classes can feel academically demanding. Pace and expectations are serious. Instructors are often engaged and present in coursework.
Some online classes were hard to follow. Online TA sessions were also described as difficult to understand. This is a better fit for students who want challenge and can handle uneven course flow.
Classes at Colorado State University are engaging and serious. Professors are often involved and easy to talk to. That helps make hard topics easier to understand.
In major courses, learning is usually more hands-on and practical. Class size can change a lot as you move through a program. Some early lecture classes are very large, while upper-level classes are often smaller and more interactive.
CSU keeps strong academic standards across many programs. Courses can feel uneven in some paths, especially when theory-heavy requirements take up a lot of time. Even so, many students find solid teaching and useful learning as they advance.
Colorado State University offers a respected education with strong teaching. Professors are engaged, approachable, and helpful in class. Many students feel supported as they learn. Classes are often challenging and interesting, and the work pushes students to think.
The experience can vary by program and course level. Some classes focus more on theory than hands-on practice. A few required courses may feel less tied to career goals. Large first-year lectures can shape how students adjust in early terms.
Classroom support is a clear strength, especially from faculty. Advising can feel uneven at times. Cost also feels different from student to student. Some view CSU as affordable for a public university. Others feel the price is high, even with in-state tuition and scholarships.
Colorado State University offers a respected education with strong teaching. Professors are engaged, approachable, and helpful in class. Many students feel supported as they learn. Classes are often challenging and interesting, and the work pushes students to think.
The experience can vary by program and course level. Some classes focus more on theory than hands-on practice. A few required courses may feel less tied to career goals. Large first-year lectures can shape how students adjust in early terms.
Classroom support is a clear strength, especially from faculty. Advising can feel uneven at times. Cost also feels different from student to student. Some view CSU as affordable for a public university. Others feel the price is high, even with in-state tuition and scholarships.
Online Programs offered by Colorado State University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Engineering
Healthcare
Math & Science
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado State University
Is Colorado State University accredited?
Yes. Colorado State University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Colorado State University offer?
Colorado State University offers 86 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Colorado State University offer?
Colorado State University offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Colorado State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Colorado State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Colorado State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Colorado State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Colorado State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Colorado State University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Colorado State University military friendly?
Colorado State University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Colorado State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Colorado State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Colorado State University accept life experience credit?
Colorado State University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Colorado State University programs fully online or mixed?
Colorado State University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Colorado State University offer?
Colorado State University has online program options in areas such as Math & Science, Engineering, Business, and Education; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Colorado State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include AACSB International (AACSB).
Are any admission tests required for Colorado State University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Colorado State University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Colorado State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Colorado State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Colorado State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Colorado State University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Colorado State University is featured in 27 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Colorado State University is located in Colorado
Colorado at a Glance:
Top Majors in Colorado:
Top Incentives in Colorado:
- College Opportunity Fund: Per-credit stipend for residents
Top Career Pathways in Colorado:
- Entry Level: Software Developer ($80,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Developer ($125,000)
- Senior Level: Technical Director ($170,000+)
- Required Education: BS Computer Science
- Certifications: AWS, Azure, Security+