Applying to Colorado State

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At Colorado State University, we see remarkable potential in everyone. Our application process is designed for you to show us how you’ll contribute to our community of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

We are looking for students who are ready to explore and innovate along with CSU, recognized as a top public university. Understanding how we’ll move forward together begins with your application. You’re more than just your GPA, so we are prepared to examine every application in full to get a better understanding of what makes you exceptional.

What type of applicant are you?

Your applicant type determines your admission application requirements. The CSU application process – in most cases – includes filling out an online application, paying/waiving an application fee, and submitting some documents, such as transcripts. CSU does not require the ACT or SAT for undergraduate students.

When should you apply and what do you need?

Please find your applicant type on this page and use the application guides to get the information you need to apply, like requirements, deadlines, how to check your application status, and more. Or learn more about special circumstances that might impact your application. 

This is what we do! Reach out to your admissions counselor with questions at any time.

Freshmen Applicants - Domestic

You are a domestic freshman applicant if:

  • You’ve never attended college, or all your college credits were earned before you graduated from high school
  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have DACA status

Freshman applicants use the Common App, a single online college application form used by more than 900 colleges and universities to make applying easier.

Key dates

  • The freshman application opens August 1 for next year's fall, spring, and summer semesters.
  • Dates to submit your application are based on your starting semester. See the application guide for more info.
FRESHMAN GUIDE AND APPLICATION

Transfer Applicants - Domestic

You are a transfer applicant if:

  • You’ve attended a regionally accredited college after high school graduation. If your only college classes were taken during high school, you’ll apply as a freshman applicant.
  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have DACA status

Transfer applicants use the CSU Application.

Key dates

  • The returning student application for admission opens August 1 for the next year's fall and summer semesters and in March for the next year's spring semester.
  • Dates to submit your application are based on your starting semester. See the application guide for more info.
TRANSFER GUIDE AND APPLICATION

Graduate student applicants

You are a graduate student applicant if:

  • You have previously earned an undergraduate degree
  • You want to pursue a master’s degree, Ph.D., or graduate certificate. We offer more than 200 graduate programs to choose from.

Graduate applicants use the CSU Graduate Application.

Key dates

  • The graduate application opens in late August for the next year’s fall and summer terms and in February for the next year’s spring terms. Please check with the department you are interested in for deadlines, which vary by program.
GRADUATE STUDENT APPLICANT INFORMATION

International Applicants - Freshmen and transfer

You are an international applicant if:

  • You are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have DACA status AND
  • You currently have a valid U.S. visa or will be seeking a student visa to study in the United States

International applicants use the same applications for admission as domestic applicants. International freshman use the Common Application and international transfer students use the CSU Application.

Key dates

  • Application opening dates are are based on your student type. See the application guides below for more info.
  • Dates to submit your application are based on your starting semester. See the application guide for more info.
INTERNATIONAL FRESHMAN GUIDE AND APPLICATION
INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER GUIDE AND APPLICATION

Nondegree-seeking applicants

You are a nondegree-seeking applicant if:

  • You are not currently working to receive a degree from CSU. This may include on-campus or online classes for enrichment or professional development, concurrent enrollment, or the Intensive English Program.

Key dates

  • Application dates vary by program. See the application guides for more info.
NONDEGREE-SEEKING APPLICANT INFORMATION

Returning student applicants

You are a returning student applicant if:

  • You previously attended CSU as a degree-seeking student
  • You left for at least one fall or spring semester while your degree was in progress OR you completed a degree at CSU
  • You want to return as an admitted, degree-seeking student to finish a degree in progress OR to begin a new CSU degree program

Returning students use the CSU Application.

Key dates

  • The returning student application for admission opens August 1 for the next year's fall and summer semesters and in March for the next year's spring semester.
  • Dates to submit your application are based on your starting semester. See the application guide for more info.
RETURNING STUDENT GUIDE AND APPLICATION

Second bachelor's applicants

You are a second bachelor’s/post-bachelor’s applicant if:

  • You have completed an undergraduate degree somewhere other than CSU
  • You’ve never attended CSU as a degree-seeking undergraduate student
  • You want to complete a second degree OR complete additional undergraduate coursework

Second bachelor’s applicants use the CSU Application.

Key dates

  • The second bachelor's student application for admission opens August 1 for the next year's fall and summer semesters and in March for the next year's spring semester.
  • Dates to submit your application are based on your starting semester. See the application guide for more info.
SECOND BACHELOR'S GUIDE AND APPLICATION

APPLICATION TIPS AND INFO

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What do you need help with?

Your admissions counselor answers all kinds of questions from potential students and families about the application process and admissions journey.

FIND YOUR ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Colorado State University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report each year on or before Oct. 1. This report includes current safety and security policies and procedures, contact information for various university and community resources related to crime prevention and survivor assistance, information about university policies on drug and alcohol use, as well as crime prevention programs, fire safety information, and crime and fire statistics for the previous three years on reported crimes that occurred on university properties or non-university properties that are controlled by CSU. View a digital copy of the report, or you can request a printed copy by emailing the Clery Compliance Office.