Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs CU Denver: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Colorado State University-Fort Collins and University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs CU Denver at a glance
Colorado State University-Fort Collins admits 88.5% of applicants and CU Denver 74.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $22,247 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins and $10,217 at CU Denver. Six-year graduation rates are 67.6% and 48.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins admits 88.5% of applicants and CU Denver 74.7%, so CU Denver is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $22,247 a year at Colorado State University-Fort Collins and $10,217 at CU Denver; CU Denver costs $12,030 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $12,291 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins and $7,543 at CU Denver.
- 67.6% of students graduate within six years at Colorado State University-Fort Collins, against 48.9% at CU Denver.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $66,947 for Colorado State University-Fort Collins and $69,387 for CU Denver; CU Denver is $2,440 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,750 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins and $18,650 at CU Denver.
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins enrolls 25,538 students (midsize city) and CU Denver 10,519 (large city).
Side by side
Colorado State University-Fort Collins and CU Denver in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | CU Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 88.5% | 74.7% |
| Applicants | 31,586 | 14,428 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1080–1290 | 980–1220 |
| ACT middle 50% | 23–29 | 23–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $22,247 | $10,217 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,774 | $10,835 |
| Tuition, out of state | $36,113 | $30,179 |
| Cost of attendance | $34,684 | $22,834 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $12,291 | $7,543 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $12,331 | $7,378 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,009 | $7,908 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $21,777 | $11,237 |
| Over $110,000 | $32,378 | $19,820 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 67.6% | 48.9% |
| First-year retention | 85.9% | 72.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $66,947 | $69,387 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,750 | $18,650 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $213 | $212 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 25,538 | 10,519 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Fort Collins, CO | Denver, CO |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Colorado State University-Fort Collins reports 69 bachelor's programs and CU Denver 42; 28 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs CU Denver
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Colorado State University-Fort Collins or CU Denver?
CU Denver is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Colorado State University-Fort Collins admits 88.5% of applicants and CU Denver admits 74.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Colorado State University-Fort Collins 1080–1290; CU Denver 980–1220.
Which is cheaper, Colorado State University-Fort Collins or CU Denver?
CU Denver has the lower average net price after grants: $22,247 a year at Colorado State University-Fort Collins against $10,217 at CU Denver. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $12,291 and $7,543. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Colorado State University-Fort Collins or CU Denver graduates earn more?
CU Denver graduates earn more at the median: $66,947 ten years after entry for Colorado State University-Fort Collins and $69,387 for CU Denver. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,750 and $18,650.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Colorado State University-Fort Collins or CU Denver?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins does: 67.6% of Colorado State University-Fort Collins students graduate within six years, against 48.9% at CU Denver.
How big are Colorado State University-Fort Collins and CU Denver?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins has 25,538 students in Fort Collins, CO and CU Denver has 10,519 students in Denver, CO.