Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Denver
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is a public university in Fort Collins, CO, and University of Denver is a private university in Denver, CO. University of Denver is the more selective of the two, admitting about 78% 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 $36,131 at University of Denver. About 77% of students graduate at University of Denver, compared with 67% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Ten years after enrolling, University of Denver alumni earn a median of about $71,155, against $60,543 for Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.
Start the free quiz
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fort Collins, CO
Denver, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
25,538
6,025
Acceptance rate
89%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1080–1290
1240–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
23–29
28–33
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,279
$36,131
Full cost / yr
$31,642
$78,476
In-state tuition
$13,373
$61,398
Out-of-state tuition
$34,783
$61,398
Application fee
$50
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,259
$20,097
$30k - $48k
$14,460
$16,211
$48k - $75k
$15,905
$22,940
$75k - $110k
$21,927
$31,759
Over $110k
$29,763
$47,222
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
77%
Freshman retention
86%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,748
$57,118
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,543
$71,155
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$21,844
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
14%
First-generation students
24%
19%
International students
2%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
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.
- Is Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Denver harder to get into?
- University of Denver is harder to get into. It admits about 78% 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 State University-Fort Collins or University of Denver?
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,279 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,131 at University of Denver. 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 State University-Fort Collins and University of Denver?
- Before aid, Colorado State University-Fort Collins costs about $31,642 a year and University of Denver about $78,476. 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 State University-Fort Collins or University of Denver?
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,259 there, against about $20,097 at University of Denver. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Denver?
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins is the larger of the two, with about 25,538 undergraduates against 6,025 at University of Denver.
- Does Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Denver have a better graduation rate?
- University of Denver has the higher graduation rate, at about 77% against 67% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
- Do graduates of Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Denver earn more?
- University of Denver alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,155 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 State University-Fort Collins and University of Denver require SAT or ACT scores?
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of Denver is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Colorado State University-Fort Collins and University of Denver look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1080–1290 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins and 1240–1410 at University of Denver. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Colorado BoulderColorado State University-Fort Collins vs Metropolitan State University of DenverColorado State University-Fort Collins vs Colorado Technical University-Colorado SpringsUniversity of Denver vs Colorado School of MinesUniversity of Denver vs University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusUniversity of Denver vs Colorado Mesa University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school