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Colorado State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Colorado State University accepts 89% of applicants. It is a public university in Fort Collins, Colorado, with about 25,538 undergraduates. The sticker price is $31,282 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $22,247.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for Colorado State University?
Most Colorado residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.3 admission is likely.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into Colorado State University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1190, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Colorado resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 55% Target | 27% Reach |
| 2.7 | 55% Target | 27% Reach |
| 3.0 | 63% Target | 34% Target |
| 3.3 | 81% Likely | 56% Target |
| 3.5 | 89% Likely | 71% Target |
| 3.7 | 94% Likely | 82% Likely |
| 3.9 | 97% Likely | 89% Likely |
| 4.0 | 97% Likely | 92% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at Colorado State University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $31,282 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $12,300 | $31,300 |
| $50k – $100k | $16,000 | $35,000 |
| $100k – $150k | $21,800 | $40,800 |
| $150k – $250k | $31,282 | $53,600 |
| Over $250k | $31,282 | $53,600 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about Colorado State University
What is the acceptance rate at Colorado State University?
Colorado State University admits 89% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into Colorado State University?
Most Colorado residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.3 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Colorado State University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1080–1300 on the SAT and 22–29 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does Colorado State University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $31,282 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $22,247 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $12,300 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at Colorado State University?
68% of students finish their degree, and 86% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to Colorado State University
- University of Northern ColoradoGreeley, CO · admits 86%
- University of Colorado BoulderBoulder, CO · admits 78%
- Iowa State UniversityAmes, IA · admits 89%
- University of OregonEugene, OR · admits 88%
- University of New HampshireDurham, NH · admits 88%
- Illinois State UniversityNormal, IL · admits 88%