Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Colorado Boulder

Fort Collins, CO · Boulder, CO · Source: IPEDS federal database

Colorado State University-Fort CollinsUniversity of Colorado Boulder
Acceptance Rate89.6%83.3%
In-State Tuition$12,896$16,430
Out-of-State Tuition$33,751$41,943
Average Net Price$19,828$22,640
Graduation Rate67.0%75.0%

GradFax Analysis

Colorado State University-Fort Collins accepts 89.6% of applicants. University of Colorado Boulder accepts 83.3%. Colorado State University-Fort Collins's in-state tuition is $12,896. University of Colorado Boulder's is $16,430. Colorado State University-Fort Collins is cheaper. Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates 67% of students in 6 years. University of Colorado Boulder graduates 75%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Colorado State University-Fort Collins profileUniversity of Colorado Boulder profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Colorado Boulder?

University of Colorado Boulder. It accepts 83.3% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Colorado Boulder more affordable?

Colorado State University-Fort Collins, on average. After aid, students pay $19,828/year versus $22,640/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

University of Colorado Boulder: 75% of students finish in 6 years. Colorado State University-Fort Collins is at 67%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Colorado Boulder: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax