Colorado State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Colorado State’s high admit rate means many qualified students have a real opening here, so use testing strategically rather than treating it as the whole application. With test-optional admissions, submit scores if they strengthen your profile. A practical target is near the top of the range: about a 1280 SAT or 29 ACT.
⬡ LangSmith9f9af127-182d-41cb-b301-45cd6f06abb3Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Colorado State University facts and stats
Colorado State University enrolls about 26,500 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Colorado State has an 86% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 67%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.
⬡ LangSmithe20bdcfe-8ee5-4341-bbf5-1161971463f2Fort Collins, CO
How do your scores compare at Colorado State?
Key Colorado State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
November 15
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
November 15
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Colorado State is test-optional, so follow this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores: take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes. For the November 15 Early Action deadline, an October retake is typically the last fall test whose scores can arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmith82cac821-9985-4024-810c-8ec646440baeWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Colorado State University?
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What you'll actually pay
Colorado State is a public Mountain West Conference university with in-state tuition of $10,609 and out-of-state tuition of $32,297. About 39% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.
⬡ LangSmith98a19f6a-b89b-4716-a643-7caf778ca70c
For out-of-state students, Colorado State University tuition is $32,297, while in-state tuition is $10,609; room and board adds $16,817. About 39% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $12,538. Merit awards average $5,327, which can help reduce the billed cost for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $30,309.
⬡ LangSmithbbfac744-e568-4ec5-8cd4-38bfee7c7985Student life at Colorado State University
27% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 6% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, COAcceptance rate: 98.8%
SAT: 910–1130
ACT: 17–26
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, COAcceptance rate: 78.1%
SAT: 1160–1380
ACT: 29–33
Boise State University
Boise, IDAcceptance rate: 87.2%
SAT: 960–1180
ACT: 20–26
Utah State University
Logan, UTAcceptance rate: 92.5%
SAT: 1070–1290
ACT: 20–28
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