Adams State University vs. Colorado State

Comparable Facts

Compare Adams State University in Alamosa, CO with Colorado State University Fort Collins in Fort Collins, CO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colorado State University Fort Collins is larger than Adams State University based on total student enrollment (34,096 students vs. 2,901 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Adams State University is located in Alamosa, CO (Remote Town setting); Colorado State University Fort Collins is in Fort Collins, CO (Midsize City setting).
• Adams State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Adams State University 14:1; Colorado State University Fort Collins 17:1.

Adams State University vs. Colorado State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Adams State University or Colorado State? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Adams State University than Colorado State ($13,340 vs. $21,011).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Adams State University are 41.6% lower than at Colorado State University Fort Collins ($9,820 vs. $16,817).
• Colorado State University Fort Collins is 36.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Adams State University (about $3,549 more per year; $13,373.00 vs. $9,824.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.5% higher at Colorado State than at Adams State University (about $12,839 more per year; $34,783.00 vs. $21,944.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adams State University than at Colorado State University Fort Collins (91% vs. 69%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adams State University students is 5.8% larger than aid received by Colorado State University Fort Collins students ($10,747 vs. $10,160).

Adams State University vs. Colorado State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Adams State University or Colorado State? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Colorado State and Adams State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colorado State University Fort Collins (1190) is 170 points higher than at Adams State University (1020).
• Incoming Colorado State students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 20 at Adams State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adams State University 910/1130; Colorado State University Fort Collins 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adams State University 15/26; Colorado State University Fort Collins 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Adams State University - Not reported; Colorado State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colorado State Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colorado State students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Adams State University (3.2).

Adams State University vs. Colorado State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Adams State University and Colorado State? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Colorado State University Fort Collins's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Adams State University's (23%).
• Graduates from Colorado State University Fort Collins earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Adams State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colorado State University Fort Collins graduates have a $287 lower median loan debt than Adams State University graduates ($21,004 vs. $21,291).
• Among borrowers, Colorado State graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adams State University graduates ($217 vs. $220).
• More Colorado State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adams State University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.