Rankings at Colorado State University
At Colorado State University, we’re proud of our rankings, but we’re even prouder of the hard work they represent. After all, shouldn’t a ranking mean more than a number?
Here are just a few university-wide rankings that reveal the most about CSU and what we value.
Overall quality
From academic programs to student retention and more, CSU earns recognition from numerous national publications. People often see these rankings as a barometer to assess a school’s overall quality.
#1 Four-Year College in Colorado
For cost to attend, efforts to ensure student success, and program prominence.
Top 25% National University
For contributions to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and providing opportunities for public service.
Best Western Colleges
For being among 126 universities considered academically outstanding and well worth consideration in a college search.
Top-Producing Fulbright Scholar Institution
For the number of scholars awarded Fulbright awards, an honor for faculty members who receive scholarships to study, teach, conduct research, and contribute to finding solutions to complex global challenges.
Top 9% Colleges with the Best Professors
For diverse, accomplished, and well-paid faculty members based on student reviews and key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education.
Top 12% College Campus in America
For outstanding campus resources across classrooms, labs, performance venues, housing, food, and recreational facilities, based student reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education.
Top 18% Colleges with the Best Academics
For admissions selectivity, professor quality, and academic resources, based on data from the U.S. Department of Education and reviews from students and alumni.
Top 33% Best Bang for the Buck in the West
For how well we help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.
Top 15% Public Universities in America
For quality of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education plus reviews from students and alumni.
Best Colleges
For being among 388 best colleges nationwide, based on survey results from students for everything from financial aid and career services to sustainability and quality of life.
A- Overall Grade
For quality of academics and professors, value, student-faculty ratio, quality of campus food and housing, diversity, safety, student life, and more.
Top 35% Public School in the Nation
For quality of programs in both undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as the commitment to both reinvest in campus and to increase student retention.
Sustainability rankings
Composting and recycling programs. Sustainability majors and minors in every college. We’re even Bee Campus USA certified and have our own bee cam. We work hard to maintain our title of greenest university.
STARS Platinum Rating
One of 10 doctoral universities worldwide recognized for comprehensive sustainability efforts, including environmental, social and economic dimensions. CSU is the first university in the world to earn this rating four times.
Platinum-Level Bike-Friendly University & City
For bicycle network and connectivity, motorist awareness and bicycling skills, mainstreaming bicycling culture, promoting safety, and planning.
#12 Green Matters College
For being among 25 universities where students highly rate administration and student support for environmental awareness and conservation efforts.
#4 Top Performer
For being a top worldwide doctoral university in overall sustainability impact, including curriculum, research, campus and public engagement, and well-being, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).
Bee-Campus Certified
For helping to ensure a better future for pollinators. CSU is among just 107 campuses in the nation — and the only one in Colorado — with this certification. Psst … check out our bee cam.
Tree Campus Recognition
For being one of 400+ colleges nationwide with a framework to care for their community forests, including a tree advisory committee, a tree care plan, a dedicated budget, observation of Arbor Day, and student service projects.
#1 Top Green College in Colorado
And #5 in the nation. For superb sustainability practices, a strong foundation in sustainability education, and a healthy quality of life for students on campus.
Green College Honor Roll Perfect Score
For being one of 31 universities in the nation to earn a perfect score for providing a healthy and sustainable quality of life on campus, for preparing students for employment in the clean-energy economy, and for environmentally responsible school policies.
Student-focused rankings
Colorado State creates a welcoming and vibrant environment for its students, empowering them to do more and be more throughout their time at CSU and beyond.
Top 8% Student Life in America
For a positive, fun, and friendly student culture and a vibrant campus community, based on student reviews and statistics from the U.S. Department of Education.
#11 Peace Corps Volunteer-Producing College
For being one of the top 25 Peace Corps volunteer-producing colleges and universities between 2003 and 2023, with 1,778 total volunteers in a decade.
Top 20% College Food in America
For outstanding on-campus dining, including easily accessible healthy, quality food across a wide range of cuisines and dietary preferences, based on meal plan costs and student reviews.
Top 13% College Athletics in America
For the best college athletic programs for sports fans and student athletes based on key statistics and student reviews.
Best College in Colorado for Vets
And #46 nationwide for university culture, student support, academic policies, academic outcomes/quality, and cost and financial aid.
Fort Collins rankings
Located in the heart of Fort Collins, CSU wouldn’t be CSU without our amazing city. Fort Collins regularly rates as one of the best places in the country to live and learn.
#3 Best College Town to Live in Forever
For a thriving economy and culture that make a city perfect for a long-term commitment
Best Place to Live
For being among 100 small to mid-sized U.S. cities for the city’s economy, housing and cost of living, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education and health.
#23 Best Place to Live in the U.S.
For being one of 150 most-populated metro areas to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market, and a high quality of life.
#1 Best Place to Live in Colorado
For best places in Colorado to live, analyzed using key lifestyle factors including median home price, personal income per capita, and unemployment and crime rates.
#1 Safest City for Bike Commuters
For bike-related fatalities, miles of protected bike lanes, bike theft claims, state laws protecting bikers from drivers, and more.
Top 10% Best Places to Bike
For youth engagement, connecting biking networks, and building trails for all skill levels.
Top 15% Best College Locations in America
For college towns that offer excellent nightlife, dining, recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions, based on key statistics and student reviews.
#14 Top College Town in America
For livability, student-to-resident ratio, cultural offerings, school presence, and large employers.
#14 Top College Town in America
For livability, student-to-resident ratio, cultural offerings, school presence, and large employers.
We have top academic programs, too
See just how much students can get out of their major at CSU.