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.
Academic and 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.
America's Top Colleges
For being among 500 universities chosen for impressive graduation rates, high graduate salaries, great outcomes for low-income students, and more.
Best Colleges for Research
For being #62 out of 139 institutions that spend at least $100 million annually on research and excel in total research spending, science and engineering PhDs awarded, faculty receiving major national awards, and faculty elected to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Best Southwestern Colleges
For being among 630 universities nationwide considered academically outstanding and well worth consideration in a college search.
Best Colleges
For being among 389 best colleges nationwide, based on survey results from students answering questions about academics, life at college, fellow classmates, and themselves.
Top-Producing Fulbright Scholar Institution
For the number of scholars awarded Fulbright awards, an honor for faculty who receive scholarships to study, teach, conduct research, and contribute to finding solutions to complex global challenges.
Top 5% 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 35% National University
For many factors including graduation rates, peer assessment, financial resources, and faculty salaries.
Top 35% Public School
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.
Top College for Affordability
And #1 in Colorado. For four-year institutions with graduation rates above the national average that have the lowest costs and debt levels, according to two key factors: net price and average student debt.
Top Patent-Granting University
For being among the top 100 U.S. universities granted utility patents in 2024, reflecting CSU’s growing impact in research translation and innovation.
Top 16% 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 700+ four-year colleges nationwide that have graduation rates at or above the median and also display quality, affordability and positive student outcomes, based on dozens of data points.
Top 20% 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 15% Test-Optional College
Based on academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni.
First-Generation Designation
For institutions in Colorado that exceed the statewide average enrollment of first-generation students, who are students whose parent(s) did not complete a bachelor's degree.
Sustainability rankings
Composting and recycling programs. Sustainability majors and minors. We’re even Bee Campus USA certified and have our own bee cam. The entire CSU community works hard to maintain our title as one of the world’s greenest universities.
STARS Platinum Rating
One of 10 doctoral universities worldwide recognized for comprehensive sustainability efforts, including environmental, social and economic dimensions. CSU joins Cornell University as the only other higher education institution to earn this award five or more times.
Bee-Campus Certified
For helping to ensure a better future for pollinators. CSU is among 219 campuses in the nation with this certification.
#1 Sustainability Curriculum
For courses, programs and learning outcomes in sustainability, living laboratory initiatives, immersive experiences, sustainability literacy, and faculty development.
#2 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).
Platinum-Level Bike-Friendly University & City
For bicycle network and connectivity, motorist awareness and bicycling skills, mainstreaming bicycling culture, promoting safety, and planning.
#2 Campus engagement
For student and employee sustainability education programs, assessment of sustainability culture, outreach
materials, and engagement campaigns.
Top Green College
For being one of 40 institutions out of almost 700 reviewed to receive a perfect score and #9 in the nation for a healthy and sustainable quality of life for students on campus, how well we prepare students to live and work in a sustainable world, and superb environmental policies.
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.
#5 Public engagement
For community and inter-campus sustainability partnerships, continuing education, community service, public policy participation, and trademark licensing.
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 9% 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.
MOST ENGAGED CAMPUS FOR STUDENT VOTING
For being one of 471 college campuses nationwide making intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement and college student voting.
Top 21% College Athletics in America
For the best college athletic programs for sports fans and student athletes based on key statistics and student reviews.
Top 9% 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 23% 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.
Best Mental Health Services
For being one of 30 schools (out 540 evaluated) that provide quality of life that is healthy and attentive to a student's overall well-being, for empowering its students to address their own mental health, and for providing administrative support for campus mental health.
#34 Best College for Veterans
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
#4 Best Place to Live Out West
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.
Top 10% Bike City
For quality and connectivity of a city’s bike network including protected bike lanes, off-street paths, slow shared streets, and safe crossings that enable people to comfortably bike around a city.
#1 Most Peaceful City in the U.S.
For low noise levels and access to outdoor spaces like parks in cities with the best quality of life in the country.
#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.
Climate action leader
For being one of 120 cities worldwide recognized for their action, ambition, and transparency in the fight against climate change.
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.
#39 Best Place to Live in the U.S.
For being one of 150 cities to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market, and a high quality of life.
We have top academic programs, too
See just how much students can get out of their major at CSU.