Colorado State University (CSU)

Colorado State University excels “at providing connection, support, and resources” to its students. CSU also supports “those who traditionally are underrepresented in educational settings,” offering “resources for low-income and first-generation students” and a robust “transportation system for local and commuting students.” Among CSU’s academic strengths are its highly regarded College of Agricultural Sciences and its engineering school with “cutting-edge academic programs.” First-year engineering students are organized into 30-person cohorts so they “share the same engineering classes for the first year, encouraging engagement and inducing familiarity between the students,” building strong academic and social connections early. Experiential learning is a defining feature of many CSU programs. One student highlights opportunities to “walk through construction job sites, visit and explore how reservoirs work, along with going on field trips to see how steel is created.” And one student in animal sciences recalls a lab where they “took care of calves and learned how to feed them and make sure they look healthy and are growing well.” Students report that CSU offers students “plenty of support for career planning and job opportunities. They also have many programs to help those in need…whether that be financial, mental, or emotional support.” As one student summarizes, “CSU is a fantastic school. I feel immensely supported and happy here.”

At CSU, students are supportive of each other and “very friendly.” As one student explains, “There is a big focus on helping out the ‘ramily,’ aka the Ram family.” Rams also value making friends with those who are different from themselves and appreciate that CSU “allows for free exploration of differing views and cultures.” Students say there’s “tons of diversity in the aspects of culture, race, religion, ethnicity, political views, etc….CSU all comes together as one and cheers for each other and helps one another.” Students describe their peers as “intelligent, motivated, and overall positive people.” CSU “is totally an outdoorsy school located in a great area,” and “it is quite rare to meet someone who doesn’t enjoy being outside in some way.” Rams are also united by the activities that comprise CSU’s campus culture, such as “clubs, cultural organizations, or sports, which help build a sense of community.” In short, “CSU has a community with an emphasis on supporting each other. ‘Rams always take care of Rams,’ is an important phrase, taken seriously.”

“The campus is BEAUTIFUL, and there is no shortage of clubs and groups to participate in,” says one enthusiastic Ram, as CSU students are known. Student organizations cover a wide range of interests and identities, like the “Asian Pacific American Cultural Center, which has given me a meaningful space to connect with others,” and groups like Wildlife Society, Mountain Riders, Biology Collection, and Polo Club. Off campus, “a huge part of the culture here in Fort Collins is outdoor activities, so most students participate in skiing, biking, hiking, camping, climbing, and many other outdoor sports.” Warmer seasons also see Rams fly fishing and swimming in Horsetooth Reservoir, and many like to “go to downtown Fort Collins and connect with the community.” During the day, students “explore nearby cafés and shops,” and those looking for nightlife enjoy “going to the bars in town.” Overall, Rams enjoy a “life at school [that] is very busy and full of constant activities and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, social life, and all the beauty Fort Collins has to offer.”