Colorado State University (CSU)

About the University

A Storied Land-Grant Institution founded in 1870 as Colorado Agricultural College, CSU is the flagship public institution of the Colorado State University System—emphasizing education, service, research, and community extension. Today, CSU serves approximately 34,200 students, with about 1,500 international students representing over 110 countries, fostering a rich multicultural campus.

CSU is classified as a Carnegie R1 research university, with over $498 million invested in research in 2023, particularly in areas such as cancer, environmental science, water management, and biomedical engineering. The university offers a comprehensive array of programs: 70+ undergraduate degrees, 140 master’s, and 65 doctoral programs, including a distinguished professional Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Many are available online as well. CSU has earned the prestigious AASHE Platinum rating—the highest sustainability accolade and one of the earliest recipients among universities. It also ranks #1 in sustainability curriculum in the U.S.

Situated in Fort Collins, a vibrant “college town” paired with Rocky Mountain access—CSU offers a perfect blend of academic immersion, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences. The main campus spans a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly 586 acres, complemented by state-wide outreach centers and the Powerhouse Energy Campus, a LEED Platinum–certified hub of energy innovation. CSU boasts a welcoming culture with over 500 student organizations, inclusive housing options (including an International House), and vibrant dining offerings—especially appealing to international students. CSU’s “Principles of Community”— inclusion, integrity, respect, service, and social justice—reflect the university’s values and drive its collaborative learning environment.

Reasons to Choose CSU

CSU shines in multiple high-impact, well-ranked areas:

• Veterinary Medicine – The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program ranks consistently No. 2 or No. 3 in the U.S., a distinction upheld for more than two decades
• Occupational Therapy – CSU’s OT Doctorate (OTD) program is ranked No. 3 nationally by U.S. News & World Report as of April 2025.
• Business & IT (Online Graduate Programs) – CSU’s Online MBA has held the No. 1 ranking in Colorado since at least 2018 and is among the top programs nationally. Similarly, the Online Master of Computer Information Systems (MCIS) is ranked No. 1 in Colorado and within the top 25 in the U.S.
• Engineering & Environmental Sciences – CSU’s Graduate Engineering School is ranked No. 57 nationally, with specialties like biomedical, civil, environmental, and computer engineering highlighted. The Warner College of Natural Resources and programs in ecology, natural resources, and environmental science are also among the nation’s best.
• Sustainability & Green Initiatives – CSU is nationally recognized for sustainability, appearing on lists like Princeton Review’s “Green Colleges” and Sierra Club rankings. It also leads the nation in public engagement and is top-ranked for environmental responsibility.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate (International Freshmen):

• Academic: GPA of ~3.0+ (4.0 scale) with upward trend; holistic evaluation considers rigor, extracurriculars, and personal circumstances(Admissions).
• English Proficiency (Direct Admission): TOEFL iBT ≥72, IELTS ≥6.0, or Duolingo ≥110.
• Other documents: Letter of recommendation, personal statement

Graduate (International Applicants):

• Academic: Bachelor’s degree equivalent to U.S. four-year degree or master’s degree; GPA converted to U.S. scale.
• English Proficiency: TOEFL ≥80, IELTS ≥6.5, Duolingo ≥120, or PTE Academic ≥58 for unconditional admission.
• Other Materials: Typically require transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and any program-specific documents or portfolios (especially for creative programs).

Admission Date

• Fall semester:

• Early action: November 1

• Regular decision: January 15

Programs Offered

Undergraduate & Graduate Highlights

Undergraduate

• College of Agricultural Science:  Agricultural Business; Environmental and Natural Resource Economics; Horticulture; Soil and Crop Sciences – Sustainable Agricultural Management
• College of Health and Human Sciences: Human Development and Family Studies; Social Work
• College of Liberal Arts: Anthropology;Communication Studies; Economics; Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts; Journalism and Media Communication; Political Science; Sociology
• Warner College of Natural Resources: Fire and Emergency Services Administration
• College of Natural Sciences: Computer Science; Data Science – Computer Science Concentration; Psychology
• College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Health Physics B.S.

Master’s Degree:

• College of Agricultural Science: Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management; Agricultural Sciences; Bio-agricultural Sciences; Pest Management Specialization; Extension Education; Horticulture and Human Health.
• College of Business: Business Administration and Computer Information Systems
• Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering: Aerospace Engineering; Biomanufacturing and Biotechnology; Biomedical Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Computer Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Master of Materials Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Systems Engineering
• College of Health and Human Sciences: Learning Design and Training; Master’s of Advanced Practice in Dietetics; M.Ed. and Principal Licensure (Hybrid); M.Ed. and Teacher Licensure (Hybrid); Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change; Prevention Science Practice; Social Work (Hybrid); Student Affairs in Higher Education M.S.
• College of Liberal Arts: Communications and Media Management; Master of Arts Leadership and Cultural Management; Public Policy Administration; Sport Management M.S.M
• Warner College of Natural Resources: Ecosystem Science and Sustainability PSM; Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; Natural Resources Stewardship; Tourism Management;
• College of Natural Sciences: Accelerated Masters in Addiction Counseling; Applied Statistics (Data Science or Statistical Science specialization); Computer Science; Industrial/Organizational Psychology; Natural Sciences Education; Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management PSM;
• College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: Microbiology-Immunology

Doctoral Degree:

• Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering: Doctor of Engineering in Systems Engineering; Systems Engineering Ph.D.
• College of Health and Human Sciences: Higher Education Leadership Ph.D. (Hybrid); Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change Ph.D. (In-Person)
• College of Liberal Arts: Music Therapy Ph.D.

Cost of Study

Estimated Annual Cost (2025–2026) for International Students (Non-Resident)

Scholarships for International Students

• Undergraduate Scholarships: CSU automatically considers all newly admitted international freshmen for scholarships between US$2,000–US$12,000 per year, renewable up to 4 years (merit-based, no additional application required).
• Graduate Scholarships & Aid: Minimal general financial aid; most opportunities are department-specific, especially for graduate students.
• Other Opportunities: Some scholarships (e.g., study abroad grants via the Office of International Programs) are available—merit and need-based funds for summer or semester abroad (US$250–1,500).
• Limited Centralized Options: Official data suggests CSU provides less merit-based aid compared to some institutions, and many scholarships require departmental or external application.