CU Boulder vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University-Fort Collins, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
CU Boulder vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins at a glance
CU Boulder admits 78.1% of applicants and Colorado State University-Fort Collins 88.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $23,708 at CU Boulder and $22,247 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Six-year graduation rates are 74.3% and 67.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- CU Boulder admits 78.1% of applicants and Colorado State University-Fort Collins 88.5%, so CU Boulder is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $23,708 a year at CU Boulder and $22,247 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins; Colorado State University-Fort Collins costs $1,461 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $13,403 at CU Boulder and $12,291 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
- 74.3% of students graduate within six years at CU Boulder, against 67.6% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $77,574 for CU Boulder and $66,947 for Colorado State University-Fort Collins; CU Boulder is $10,627 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,500 at CU Boulder and $18,750 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
- CU Boulder enrolls 31,939 students (midsize city) and Colorado State University-Fort Collins 25,538 (midsize city).
Side by side
CU Boulder and Colorado State University-Fort Collins 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 | CU Boulder | Colorado State University-Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 78.1% | 88.5% |
| Applicants | 54,756 | 31,586 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1240–1430 | 1080–1290 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–33 | 23–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $23,708 | $22,247 |
| Tuition, in state | $17,513 | $13,774 |
| Tuition, out of state | $47,142 | $36,113 |
| Cost of attendance | $37,189 | $34,684 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $13,403 | $12,291 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,558 | $12,331 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,684 | $16,009 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $21,719 | $21,777 |
| Over $110,000 | $34,026 | $32,378 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 74.3% | 67.6% |
| First-year retention | 90.2% | 85.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $77,574 | $66,947 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,500 | $18,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $210 | $213 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 31,939 | 25,538 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
| Location | Boulder, CO | Fort Collins, 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
CU Boulder reports 69 bachelor's programs and Colorado State University-Fort Collins 69; 39 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about CU Boulder vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into CU Boulder or Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
CU Boulder is harder to get into by acceptance rate: CU Boulder admits 78.1% of applicants and Colorado State University-Fort Collins admits 88.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: CU Boulder 1240–1430; Colorado State University-Fort Collins 1080–1290.
Which is cheaper, CU Boulder or Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins has the lower average net price after grants: $23,708 a year at CU Boulder against $22,247 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $13,403 and $12,291. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do CU Boulder or Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates earn more?
CU Boulder graduates earn more at the median: $77,574 ten years after entry for CU Boulder and $66,947 for Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,500 and $18,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, CU Boulder or Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
CU Boulder does: 74.3% of CU Boulder students graduate within six years, against 67.6% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
How big are CU Boulder and Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
CU Boulder has 31,939 students in Boulder, CO and Colorado State University-Fort Collins has 25,538 students in Fort Collins, CO.