Campus Tour: Colorado State University
I try to visit 30–50 college campuses each year, and starting now, I’m going to share more of those experiences here on the blog. These posts will include my personal notes, impressions, and images from each stop - some practical, some purely observational. Whether you’re a prospective student, a parent, or just someone who enjoys exploring different college environments, I hope this campus tour series gives you a better sense of what these places are really like on the ground! I recently spent a week in Colorado visiting over 10 schools in Colorado and Wyoming, so you’ll be seeing many of those schools first.
Colorado State University (CSU) - A Vibrant R1 Campus in the Heart of Fort Collins
Colorado State University stands as Colorado’s flagship R1 research university, rooted in community, sustainability, and real-world learning. Set in Fort Collins (pop. ~170,000), just an hour from Denver, CSU is where serious academics meet a green, active lifestyle.
The Setting: Fort Collins & CSU’s Green Identity
Location & Lifestyle: Fort Collins - a city celebrated for biking and outdoor life - boasts over 285 miles of bike routes and trails, and has earned praise as a “diamond” biking city. It’s ideal for students who live on two wheels or want easy access to outdoorsy adventures.
Sustainability Leader: CSU consistently ranks in the top four of the Sustainable Campus Index and was recently placed ninth in The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges. Proof of its deep-rooted commitments to environmental leadership.
Academic Strength: R1 Research + Top-Ranked Programs
Research Excellence: CSU is officially classified as an R1 institution: “Very High Research Activity”, dedicating nearly $500 million annually to R&D.
Veterinary Medicine: The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program has been ranked #2 in the nation by U.S. News for decades. Globally, it’s also listed among the top three in the field.
Student Body & Academic Organization
Enrollment: Around 35,000 students - with roughly 26,000 undergrads.
Colleges & Majors: Academic offerings span across Agricultural Sciences, Business, Engineering, Health & Human Sciences, Liberal Arts, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, and Natural Resources.
Popular Paths: Business, Psychology, Engineering, and pre-health (med and vet) stand out among majors.
Honors & Exploratory Tracks: Students joining the Honors program typically have a weighted GPA of 3.8+, enjoy dedicated housing, funding, and research opportunities with impressive placement rates (~88%) and an average starting salary of $57,000. Additionally, the Exploratory Studies track offers three semesters to explore before choosing a major, with “pre-paths” available. No major is blocked out.
Costs & Affordability
Estimated Total Costs (2025-26):
In‑State: ~$35,000/year
WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange): ~$46,000/year
Out‑of‑State: ~$57,000/year
Campus Life & Unique Learning Opportunities
Semester at Sea: Live aboard a ship traveling to ~10 countries and immersive time in those countries.
Mountain Campus: Access to on-campus natural environments for hands-on learning.
Internships: Required for most majors, especially in health sciences, where students may work directly with campus athletes (via the Health Sciences college).
Clubs & Greek Life: The Ski & Snow Club is the largest on campus; Greek life involves around 11% of students.
Transportation & Housing:
Free on/off-campus bus system.
Freshmen may bring cars (parking ~$750/year).
Demographics: Approx. 65% Colorado residents, 25% students of color, and 23% first-gen students.
Athletics: Division I in the Big Sky
CSU competes at the NCAA Division I level as the Colorado State Rams, part of the Mountain West Conference. The department supports 16 varsity teams (6 men’s, 10 women’s) and approximately 400 student-athletes.
Facilities & Traditions:
Canvas Stadium (Sonny Lubick Field): Opened in 2017, seats over 36,500 (expandable to 41,000), and is the heart of CSU football.
Moby Arena: Built in 1966, capacity ~8,083, home to basketball and volleyball teams.
Rivalries: The annual Rocky Mountain Showdown football game against the University of Colorado Boulder draws huge crowds and tradition.
Final Thoughts
From R1 research labs to open-air mountains, CSU offers a dynamic and grounded college experience. Whether you’re exploring pre-health pathways, joining environmental initiatives, or getting swept up in Division I sports and school spirit, CSU delivers.
CSU is perfect for students seeking a big‑university experience with real-world impact, community engagement, and an active lifestyle.
