Accountability Measures

The six-year graduation rate for the Fall 2000 entering freshman class (the most recent data available) is 65%. Our graduation rate has averaged in the mid-60% range over the last five years. This is a significant gain from a decade ago when the six-year graduation rates were in the mid-50% range.

Compared to our institutional peer group, we do quite well. Based on the 1998 and 1999 entering classes, our six-year graduation rate is similar to institutions such as University of Colorado, Purdue, Ohio State and Washington State.

The University is pursuing several initiatives to improve both the educational experience of students and the measurements associated with retention and graduation. A comprehensive internal review in 2006 produced "A Plan for Excellence," which addresses this in detail. One outcome is the creation of the Collegiate Success Coordinator position. This individual will work with the colleges and advising units to help students persist to graduation. Also, Living and Learning communities continue to be a model that is successful in helping students persist to graduation. Key Academic Community, Key Service Community, and Key Plus Community are three existing programs that offer students a variety of strategies for academic success. In addition, a new residential facility will open in Fall 2007. This will be a premier living and learning community with two new living options, one for Honors Program students and the other for Engineering majors.

The six-year graduation rate for diverse students at Colorado State University typically is in the mid-50% range. The lone recent exception is the Fall 1999 entering class whose rate was 49%. However, the rate for the Fall 2000 class rebounded to previous levels.

The freshman to sophomore year persistence rate is approximately the same as that of non-diverse students. Persistence rates tend to decrease for diverse students compared to non-diverse in the second, third, and fourth year.

Our six-year graduation rate for diverse students has varied over time in relation to our institutional peers. For the 1998 entering class, we ranked in the top third of our peer group with a six-year rate of 56.9%. For that year, our diverse to non-diverse rate differential of 8 percentage points was the lowest among all peers. However, with the lower graduation rate of the 1999 entering class our relative rank declined and the diverse to non-diverse student rate differential increased.

The University has support services and advocacy offices for diverse students. Advocacy programs, which include the offices of Asian/Pacific American Student Services, Black Student Services, El Centro Student Services, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Student Services, Native American Student Services, Resources for Disabled Students, and Women's Programs and Studies, provide a fall welcome and transition programs for newly enrolled students. They also create, coordinate, and collaborate with other campus and community groups to implement a variety of educational and cultural activities to improve the campus climate and promote retention of diverse students at Colorado State University.

Effective Fall 2008 (Spring 2008 high school graduates), Colorado State University has introduced new Priority Consideration Admission Standards. These standards shape our priorities. They are not requirements for admission. Priority consideration for admission will be given to students who complete the specified 18 academic units with a minimum 3.25 GPA. However, all interested students are strongly encouraged to apply to CSU, as we conduct individual, holistic file review for every applicant. Holistic review guarantees that every applicant receives consideration based on his or her own unique characteristics, circumstances, and strengths.

As is required of all Colorado four-year public institutions, we report GPA and test score data to the Colorado Department of Higher Education in the form of a calculated Admissions Index (a combination of high school gpa, percentile rank and entrance exam scores). However, our decision process de-emphasizes test scores and focuses more attention on academic rigor, academic achievement, and a variety of extra-academic indicators of potential for success at our University such as school activities, community service, leadership, maturity, independence and motivation.

The holistic review process necessitates that particular documents be submitted by every applicant for full and consistent consideration. A completed application consists of an application, high school transcripts, ACT or SAT results, a $50 application fee, a personal essay (minimum 250 words) and one teacher or school-based counselor recommendation. Suggestions for essay topics are on the How to Apply page of our website. These subjects facilitate the holistic review by giving students the opportunity to elaborate on their academic and extra-academic experiences. The recommendation is also an important part of holistic review because it provides an independent evaluation of a student’s potential.

The freshman admission application priority filing date is February 1. Applications received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis. To be considered for merit-based scholarships, freshman applicants must apply for admission by the priority filing date and must be admitted and meet all eligibility criteria by March 1.

An enrollment deposit of $300 is required by May 1 (or within two weeks of receiving the offer of admission if admitted after May 1). This non-refundable deposit is applied toward first-semester tuition.

As a major research institution, Colorado State is one of the most expensive types of universities in the country to operate. Tuition and fees paid by students (and their families) go towards supporting the cost of education. As a public university, resources to cover our costs come from state tax dollars as well. Unfortunately, reductions in state funding for higher education are occurring in a large number of states. According to the Center for the Study of Education Policy at Illinois State University, Colorado ranks third from the bottom in terms of funding for higher education. As a result, state support is an increasingly smaller portion of our financial resources. A large number of public universities across the nation are finding it necessary to raise tuition and fees. Colorado State is no exception.

Though our tuition and fees have risen by an annual average growth rate of 6.4% in six years, it is still lower than the average increase for research institutions. In fact, for Colorado residents, we remain a highly affordable choice. Our cost puts us as the institution with the lowest undergraduate in-state tuition and fees among a list of 14 peer institutions. In addition, Colorado residents can take advantage of the College Opportunity Fund (COF). COF provides state tax dollars to colleges and universities on behalf of eligible undergraduate students to help them offset the cost of undergraduate education at Colorado State and other in-state public colleges and universities.

Non-resident students pay a higher cost to attend Colorado State University, as they are not citizens of the state and therefore tuition and fees are not offset by tax dollars. However, non-resident tuition at Colorado State University is still lower than at many of our peer institutions.

And yet, Colorado State University remains committed to addressing the financial needs of our students. All students determined to have financial need received aid in the past year. The average met need was 87%. Overall, financial aid packages averaged $7,381. The mean merit (non-need) based award was $3,222. Average cumulative borrower indebtedness for the entire time undergraduates are enrolled at Colorado State stands at $17,975.

For non-resident students in selected states, the Western Undergraduate Exchange Program is available. Students from eligible states can enroll at CSU at a reduced tuition rate: 150 percent of CSU’s regular resident tuition. At CSU, qualified non-residents from a WUE state pay $9,069 (2006-07 rates) in tuition, compared to the full cost of non-resident tuition, which is $14,994.

These pie charts show how our university revenue and expenditures are allocated. As you can see, just over 21% of our revenues are generated by tuition and fees, while over 50% of our expenditures go to salaries and benefits. We are a people-driven enterprise, and compete in the marketplace for the top faculty and staff in the nation and world to teach and work with our students.

Are we worth what we cost? You bet we are! According to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine (2007), Colorado State University is listed among the 100 best values (educational quality and affordability) in public colleges. We are also listed as one of the best buys among the top 100 colleges and universities (out of 1,204 colleges and universities) by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc (2006-2007). CSU is ranked in the top tier of Best American Colleges by U.S. News & World Report (2006), and the Templeton Foundation (2006) named us among the nation’s leading higher education institutions that encourage student character development. Colorado State University is listed as one of America’s Best Value Colleges by the Princeton Review – a designation of one of the best overall bargains based on cost and financial aid among academically outstanding colleges in the nation (2007). We rank 12th in the nation among large universities and colleges for the number of alumni serving as Peace Corps volunteers (2006). Plus, we’re located in Fort Collins, named by Money Magazine (August, 2006) as the No. 1 “Best Place to Live”!

Until you’re 23 years old or legally emancipated, tuition classification is based on your parent/legal guardian’s state of residence. Obtaining Colorado residency requires at least 12 months continuous presence in the state prior to the first day of classes, as well as evidence indicating the intent to make Colorado your permanent home (such as a driver’s license, vehicle registration, payment of Colorado state income tax and other forms of proof).

Tuition Classification Procedures

Initial classification
For tuition purposes, the Office of Admission determines the initial residency of any student enrolling at Colorado State University. To be initially considered for in-state classification, you must answer all residency questions completely and accurately on the application; if you don’t, you will be classified as an out-of-state resident.

How to change your tuition classification
If you’ve been classified as a non-resident and want to change your classification to in-state, you must complete a Petition for In-State Tuition Classification. Petitions are available at Student Financial Services. Petitions and all supporting documentation must be received by Student Financial Services by the published deadline date specified for the semester for which a change is being requested. Your tuition classification will be changed only if the Tuition Classification Officer is convinced that physical presence and ties with the state have occurred at least 12 months prior to the first day of classes for which you are petitioning.

For more information, visit Ask a Counselor. This site answers many of the most common questions related to residency and provides an email link to a counselor. If you’d like to write or call us, our contact information is as follows:

Student Financial Services
Tuition Classification Office
103 Administration Annex
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1065
(970) 491-6321

According to our most recent survey, 97 percent of our students have their own computers, and 27 percent have more than one. They also have access to some powerful resources at Colorado State University — and so will you.

When you plug into a wall jack on campus, you’ll enjoy connection speeds of up to 100 MBs so you can make the most of your time on the Internet. Colorado State also has extensive wireless coverage that encompasses about 500 wireless access points and 80 buildings. Our outdoor coverage is somewhat limited, but we’ve expanded our reach to the areas surrounding the Lory Student Center and the Clark Building. The presence of a cell tower on campus, meanwhile, guarantees outstanding cellular coverage no matter where you use your phone or PDA.

If you prefer a traditional setting for studying, the Morgan Library features more than 250 computer stations, along with laptops that you can check out for six hours at a time. In addition, Colorado State features three open-access computer labs and 36 limited-access computer labs throughout campus.

To enhance your experience in the classroom, we’re in the process of upgrading our 152 general-assignment classrooms. We’re installing advanced projection systems, lighting controls and sound systems at a rate of 12 classrooms per year. We’re also preparing to upgrade a classroom in Johnson Hall so that it can accommodate HD presentations.

Finally, we’ve overhauled our online student information system to help you navigate your way through college as smoothly as possible. Our goal is to make it easy for you to perform routine tasks such as registering for classes, charting the progress you’re making toward your degree requirements and checking your current GPA.

For a more detailed look at the university’s technological resources, visit Academic Computing and Network Services.

All students who enroll at Colorado State University must fulfill the requirements of the All University Core Curriculum (AUCC) to receive a bachelor’s degree. The AUCC is designed to ensure that our students share a common learning experience enriched by faculty from a broad range of disciplines.

Under guidelines that will take effect in the fall of 2007, each baccalaureate program of study must incorporate the following elements:

1. Basic Competencies
• Intermediate Writing (CO150)
• Mathematics (3 credits)
2. Additional Communication (3 credits)
• Oral Communication (this option may only be used by students who were enrolled in college and taking classes prior to July 1, 2008); or
• Advanced Writing (must be chosen by all students who are newly enrolled, first-time college students after July 1, 2008)
3. Foundations and Perspectives
• Biological/Physical Sciences (7 credits, including laboratory)
• Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
  (No more than 3 credits of intermediate foreign languages may be used toward this category.)
• Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
• Historical Perspectives (3 credits)
• Global and Cultural Awareness (3 credits)
4. Depth and Integration*
• Course(s) designated by major that build on Core competencies
• Course(s) designated by major that build upon foundations of knowledge and intellectual perspectives in Core Category 3 in an integrative and complementary way
• Senior capstone experience designated by major

* This category is met by a minimum of two upper-division courses that total at least five credits.

Over the last ten years at Colorado State University, the percentage of small undergraduate classes, those with 20 or fewer students, has increased from 24% to its current level of 38%. In the same time period, the percentage of large undergraduate classes, those with 50 or more students, has dropped from 19% to 17%. Our small class percentage surpasses our peer group average of 24% for small classes and is about the same as our peer group average of 17% for large classes.

Our commitment to increase the number of faculty by 450 over the next several years ensures that we will be able to continue our progress towards smaller class sizes.

Dear CSU Community:

The Colorado State University Police Department (CSUPD) welcomes you to our community! You will find that Colorado State University and the city of Fort Collins have much to offer as you progress through your educational experiences!

The CSUPD is committed to providing you with a safe and enjoyable community to further your educational experience. Additionally, we are committed to enforcing the laws in a fair and compassionate manner. Such a community requires that we share responsibility for making positive behavioral choices. You are encouraged to read and understand the information provided and strive to support safety for all. The CSU Police Department is a full service professional law enforcement agency that is trained and equipped to respond to emergencies. CSU Police officers can enforce the law at Colorado State University and the city of Fort Collins, within Larimer County and throughout the state of Colorado.

The CSUPD consists of five divisions: investigations, management and budgets, patrol, special activities and parking services. The CSUPD has experienced exceptional growth and advancement. In the past three and a half years, we have added a K-9 and motorcycle traffic unit in the Patrol Division as well as other programs.

The Investigations Division has a number of detectives, a crime lab and a background investigator. The Special Activities Division manages athletic events, concerts, dignitary protection and the 911 Emergency Communications Center. The CSUPD 911 Center is one of five dispatch centers in Larimer County. In addition, the CSUPD 911 Center monitors a number of surveillance cameras strategically located around campus. Colorado State University has an Emergency Management Team that consists of key individuals that have the experience and knowledge to handle emergency situations. The team meets on a monthly basis to prepare for emergency situations.

We work hard to identify safety and security needs of all our students and staff. We know it is imperative to promptly distribute information, which is why we employ a number of redundant systems that help us get messages out to the community in the event of an emergency. The following are some of the communication systems we have in place:

• Reverse 911 – This allows us to call all or specific land-based phones in a targeted area.
• CSU Emergency Telephone Network – This allows us to make a conference call to areas on campus to alert people to an emergency.
• Email – We can notify thousands of people quickly.
• Emergency Broadcast System – We can interrupt cable and broadcast stations with an emergency notification.
• CSU Police 911 Center – All calls, including cellular emergencies are dispatched from this center.

The CSU Police Department is currently exploring other technologies, including a text-based messaging system and an external loud speaker and siren system.

In light of the Virginia Tech tragedy, we are currently reviewing our security and safety protocols to determine if we can improve and enhance in these areas. Your safety and security are of utmost importance to the institution and we will do our best to keep you informed about additional procedures and plans for responding in the event of a crisis.

We encourage you to take a tour of the CSUPD and meet our staff. Building relationships with our community is very important to us and we want you to have a great time continuing your education at Colorado State University and enjoying the city of Fort Collins.

Sincerely,
Chief D. Yarbrough
Chief of Police

Colorado State University strongly supports the student's and community’s right and need to be informed about campus safety and crime-related problems. Current crime statistics are available on the CSU Police Department website and in the Annual Safety Report. We also have a statistical comparison of Colorado State and our institutional peers.

Students feel safe on campus. As part of a residence hall satisfaction survey, 1000 students in each of the last six years were asked how safe they feel in the residence hall and how safe they feel in their room. In every year, average scores indicated that students were very satisfied, the highest category on the response scale, with safety in their hall and in their room.