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Colorado College vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Colorado College is a private college in Colorado Springs, CO, and Colorado State University-Fort Collins is a public university in Fort Collins, CO. Colorado College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 18% of applicants against 89% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Colorado State University-Fort Collins is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,279 a year against $33,375 at Colorado College. About 87% of students graduate at Colorado College, compared with 67% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Ten years after enrolling, Colorado College alumni earn a median of about $65,222, against $60,543 for Colorado State University-Fort Collins.

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Colorado College

Colorado Springs, CO · Private

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,014
25,538
Acceptance rate
18%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–4
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
1230–1460
1080–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
23–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$33,375
$21,279
Full cost / yr
$86,921
$31,642
In-state tuition
$70,734
$13,373
Out-of-state tuition
$70,734
$34,783
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,217
$13,259
$30k - $48k
$15,477
$14,460
$48k - $75k
$12,568
$15,905
$75k - $110k
$24,129
$21,927
Over $110k
$44,141
$29,763
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
67%
Freshman retention
94%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,611
$49,748
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,222
$60,543
Median debt at graduation
$18,257
$20,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
21%
First-generation students
18%
24%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Colorado College or Colorado State University-Fort Collins harder to get into?
Colorado College is harder to get into. It admits about 18% of applicants, compared with 89% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Colorado College or Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,279 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,375 at Colorado College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Colorado College and Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
Before aid, Colorado State University-Fort Collins costs about $31,642 a year and Colorado College about $86,921. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Colorado College or Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
Colorado College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,217 there, against about $13,259 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colorado College or Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is the larger of the two, with about 25,538 undergraduates against 2,014 at Colorado College.
Does Colorado College or Colorado State University-Fort Collins have a better graduation rate?
Colorado College has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 67% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
Do graduates of Colorado College or Colorado State University-Fort Collins earn more?
Colorado College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,222 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,543 for Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colorado College and Colorado State University-Fort Collins require SAT or ACT scores?
Colorado College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Colorado State University-Fort Collins is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Colorado College and Colorado State University-Fort Collins look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1230–1460 at Colorado College and 1080–1290 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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