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University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins

University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a public university in Colorado Springs, CO, and Colorado State University-Fort Collins is a public university in Fort Collins, CO. Colorado State University-Fort Collins is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 97% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. University of Colorado Colorado Springs is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,788 a year against $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. About 67% of students graduate at Colorado State University-Fort Collins, compared with 46% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Ten years after enrolling, Colorado State University-Fort Collins alumni earn a median of about $60,543, against $54,659 for University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO · Public

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,697
25,538
Acceptance rate
97%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1220
1080–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
23–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,788
$21,279
Full cost / yr
$24,595
$31,642
In-state tuition
$10,149
$13,373
Out-of-state tuition
$24,336
$34,783
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,065
$13,259
$30k - $48k
$11,642
$14,460
$48k - $75k
$12,104
$15,905
$75k - $110k
$18,388
$21,927
Over $110k
$22,142
$29,763
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
67%
Freshman retention
68%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,766
$49,748
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,659
$60,543
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$20,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
21%
First-generation students
31%
24%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
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 University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Colorado State University-Fort Collins harder to get into?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 97% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,788 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,279 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
Before aid, University of Colorado Colorado Springs costs about $24,595 a year and Colorado State University-Fort Collins about $31,642. 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, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,065 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, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is the larger of the two, with about 25,538 undergraduates against 8,697 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Does University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Colorado State University-Fort Collins have a better graduation rate?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 46% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Do graduates of University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Colorado State University-Fort Collins earn more?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,543 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,659 for University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Colorado State University-Fort Collins require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs 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 University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Colorado State University-Fort Collins look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1220 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school