Colorado State vs. Utah State University

Comparable Facts

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

Colorado State University Fort Collins is larger than Utah State University based on total student enrollment (34,096 students vs. 28,904 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colorado State University Fort Collins is located in Fort Collins, CO (Midsize City setting); Utah State University is in Logan, UT (Small City setting).
• Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Utah State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colorado State University Fort Collins 17:1; Utah State University 19:1.

Colorado State vs. Utah State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colorado State or Utah State University? 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 Utah State University than Colorado State ($15,788 vs. $21,011).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Utah State University are 46% lower than at Colorado State University Fort Collins ($9,076 vs. $16,817).
• Colorado State University Fort Collins is 44.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Utah State University (about $4,145 more per year; $13,373.00 vs. $9,228.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.2% higher at Colorado State than at Utah State University (about $9,981 more per year; $34,783.00 vs. $24,802.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Utah State University than at Colorado State University Fort Collins (90% vs. 69%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colorado State University Fort Collins students is 17% larger than aid received by Utah State University students ($10,160 vs. $8,685).

Colorado State vs. Utah State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colorado State or Utah State University? 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 Utah State University and Colorado State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colorado State University Fort Collins (1190) is 10 points higher than at Utah State University (1180).
• Incoming Colorado State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Utah State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado State University Fort Collins 1080/1290; Utah State University 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado State University Fort Collins 23/29; Utah State University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colorado State - Test optional; Utah State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colorado State Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colorado State students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Utah State University (3.63).
• Utah State University has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than Colorado State (88.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.1% at Colorado State vs. 23.8% at Utah State University.

Colorado State vs. Utah State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colorado State and Utah State University? 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 Utah State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Colorado State University Fort Collins earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Utah State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Utah State University graduates have a $7,394 lower median loan debt than Colorado State graduates ($13,610 vs. $21,004).
• Among borrowers, Utah State University graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Colorado State graduates ($140 vs. $217).
• More Utah State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colorado State students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 69%)

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.