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University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University-Fort Collins are both public institutions — University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder, CO and Colorado State University-Fort Collins in Fort Collins, CO. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Boulder, CO · Public
Acceptance rate: 78.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 31,939
Tuition: $44,918/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 74.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Boulder, CO with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
Fort Collins, CO · Public
Acceptance rate: 88.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 25,538
Tuition: $34,783/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 66.5%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Fort Collins, CO with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
| Factor | University of Colorado Boulder | Colorado State University-Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 78.1% | 88.5% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1240–1430 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 29–33 | 26 average |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 31,939 | 25,538 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $44,918/year | $34,783/year |
| Average net price after aid | $25,346 | $21,279 |
| Graduation rate | 74.2% | 66.5% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $69,738 | $60,543 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 19.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Boulder, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Engineering, Biological sciences | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Engineering |
University of Colorado Boulder is more selective (78.1% vs 88.5% acceptance rate). Colorado State University-Fort Collins has a lower average net price after grant aid ($21,279 vs $25,346). University of Colorado Boulder reports the higher graduation rate (74.2% vs 66.5%). University of Colorado Boulder is the larger undergraduate campus (31,939 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
University of Colorado Boulder vs University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
78.1% vs 74.7% acceptance rate
University of Colorado Boulder vs Fort Lewis College
78.1% vs 77.3% acceptance rate
University of Colorado Boulder vs University of Denver
78.1% vs 77.8% acceptance rate
University of Colorado Boulder vs University of Northern Colorado
78.1% vs 85.9% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University-Fort Collins
University of Colorado Boulder has an acceptance rate of 78.1%; Colorado State University-Fort Collins is around 88.5%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Colorado Boulder tuition is $44,918/year. Colorado State University-Fort Collins is $34,783/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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