In 2025, Colorado State University (CSU) was ranked #442 in the QS World University Rankings. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings placed CSU within the 401–500 bracket for the same year.
Nationally, U.S. News Rankings positioned CSU at #148 among National Universities in 2025. These rankings reflect CSU's consistent performance and recognition in both global and national academic landscapes.
Understanding CSU's reputation can help you make informed educational choices as a student or professional. This ranking page provides a comprehensive overview of CSU's rankings across various disciplines and highlights its unique strengths.
Colorado State University Rankings 2024-25
University rankings offer valuable insights into an institution's strengths, guiding you to align your academic and career aspirations effectively. For the 2024-25 period, Colorado State University (CSU) has been evaluated by several prominent ranking organizations.
Here are the university rankings of colorado state university (2023–2025):
Ranking Body
2023
2024
2025
QS World University Ranking
408
409
442
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking
401-500
401-500
401-500
U.S. News Rankings
151
151
148 (National Universities)
The changing trends are depicted in the following graphical representation:
Analyzing the university's performance across major ranking bodies from 2023 to 2025 reveals notable trends.
In the QS World University Rankings, the institution experienced a decline, moving from 408th place in 2023 to 409th in 2024, and further to 442nd in 2025.
The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings consistently placed the university within the 401-500 bracket throughout this period, indicating a stable yet undistinguished position.
Conversely, the U.S. News Rankings show a slight improvement, with the university advancing from 151st place in 2023 and 2024 to 148th in 2025.
These fluctuations suggest varying assessments of the university's performance, highlighting areas for potential enhancement to achieve a more favorable and consistent global standing.
Subject-Wise Ranking of Colorado State Universities
Colorado State University (CSU) demonstrates notable strengths across various academic disciplines, as reflected in subject-specific rankings by esteemed organizations. Below is a breakdown of CSU's subject-wise rankings for the year 2025:
QS Subject Rankings
The QS World University Rankings assess universities globally across multiple disciplines. In 2025, Colorado State University's (CSU) College of Business was ranked within the #111–120 bracket in the Masters in Finance category.
This ranking reflects CSU's commitment to providing quality education in finance. The QS World University Rankings evaluate institutions based on six key performance indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, and international student ratio
THE (Times Higher Education) Rankings
Times Higher Education (THE) provides subject-specific rankings based on criteria such as teaching, research, and international outlook. In the 2025 rankings, CSU has achieved notable positions, with Physical Sciences ranked 176–200, Life Sciences at 201–250, and Clinical and Health at 301–400.
Below is CSU's performance across various subjects:
Subject
Ranking for the Year 2025
Arts and Humanities
501–600
Business and Economics
401–500
Clinical and Health
301–400
Computer Science
601–800
Engineering
301–400
Life Sciences
201–250
Physical Sciences
176–200
Social Sciences
301–400
U.S. News Rankings
U.S. News & World Report evaluates universities based on various indicators of academic quality. In the 2025 rankings, CSU has excelled in multiple subjects, with Agricultural Sciences ranked 71, Earth Sciences at 54, and Engineering at 57. Below are CSU's subject-specific rankings for 2025:
Subject
Ranking for the Year 2025
Agricultural Sciences
71
Biological Sciences
212
Chemistry
358
Computer Science
96
Earth Sciences
54
Engineering
57
Education
199
Miscellaneous Ranking 2025
In 2025, Colorado State University (CSU) maintained its strong commitment to sustainability, diversity, and community engagement, as evidenced by various rankings. These achievements showcase CSU's commitment to inclusivity and environmental sustainability on campus.
Ranking Agency
Ranking Description
Ranking of the
Sustainable Campus Index
Recognizes top-performing universities for sustainability efforts in academics, operations, and engagement.
Top 4
Interdisciplinary sustainability curriculum
Highlights universities leading in sustainability-focused academic programs and curriculum integration.
1st
The Princeton Review's "Guide to Green Colleges"
Ranks colleges based on sustainability initiatives, eco-friendly policies, and student engagement in environmental efforts.
9th
The 2025 rankings highlight Colorado State University’s strong commitment to sustainability and academic leadership. It ranks Top 4 in the Sustainable Campus Index, reflecting its excellence in sustainability efforts across academics, operations, and community engagement.
The university also secures the 1st position in the Interdisciplinary Sustainability Curriculum, showcasing its leadership in integrating sustainability-focused education.
Additionally, it holds the 9th spot in The Princeton Review's "Guide to Green Colleges," reinforcing its dedication to eco-friendly policies and student involvement in environmental initiatives.
These rankings emphasize Colorado State University’s role as a frontrunner in sustainability and academic innovation.
Colorado State University: Excellence and Achievements
Colorado State University (CSU) features multiple campuses, each advancing academic excellence, community engagement, and cultural innovation. Together, they solidify CSU’s standing as a top institution in higher education.
Let’s have a look!
Academic Excellence and National Recognition
CSU's commitment to academic excellence is evident through various national accolades. Here’s the breakdown.
Category
Recognition
Featured Institution
Top 6% Colleges with the Best Professors
Niche, 2025
University-wide
Top 17% Colleges with the Best Academics
Niche, 2025
University-wide
Top 35% National University
U.S. News and World Report, 2024
University-wide
Top 17% Public Universities in America
Niche, 2025
University-wide
Community and Lifestyle Recognitions
CSU's dedication to fostering a vibrant community and enriching student life has earned it significant accolades. Below are some of the notable recognitions.
Category
Recognition
Featured Institution
Top 11% College Campus in America
Niche, 2025
University-wide
Top 28% National University for Public Service
Washington Monthly, 2023
University-wide
America's Top Colleges
Forbes, 2023
University-wide
First-Generation Designation
Colorado Department of Higher Education, 2024
University-wide
Cultural and Creative Excellence
CSU's campuses are recognized for their cultural contributions and support for creative endeavors. Below are some of the notable recognitions:
Category
Recognition
Featured Institution
Best Southwestern Colleges
Princeton Review, 2024
University-wide
Top-Producing Fulbright Scholar Institution
U.S. Department of State, 2024
University-wide
Top 35% Public School for Quality Programs
U.S. News and World Report, 2024
University-wide
Top 6% Colleges with the Best Professors
Niche, 2025
University-wide
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Colorado State University: Rankings Vs Acceptance Rate
Colorado State University has an acceptance rate of approximately 90.8%, reflecting a more inclusive admissions process. However, programs such as Engineering and Medicine maintain competitive standards, emphasizing academic excellence in these fields.
Course
THE University Rank 2025
Acceptance Rate
Business and Economics
401–500
90%
Clinical and Health
301–400
90-91%
Engineering
301–400
90%
Arts and Humanities
501–600
90%
Ranking Methodologies
University rankings offer valuable insights into institutional performance, guiding your educational choices. Prominent ranking organizations like QS, Times Higher Education (THE), and U.S. News & World Report employ distinct methodologies to assess universities.
QS World University Rankings
The QS World Ranking evaluates universities based on employer reputation and academic performance, drawing insights from surveys conducted with thousands of academic professionals and employers globally.
It also considers faculty research contributions and the diversity of international student enrollment.
Below are the key criteria used in the QS World University Rankings.
Focus Area
Indicators
Weightage
Research and Discovery
Academic Reputation
30%
Citations per Faculty
20%
Employability and Outcomes
Employer Reputation
15%
Employment Outcomes
5%
Global Engagement
International Faculty Ratio
5%
International Research Network
5%
International Student Ratio
5%
International Student Diversity
0%
Learning Experience
Faculty Student Ratio
10%
Sustainability
Sustainability
5%
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings
The Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings assess universities based on research impact, teaching quality, and faculty-to-student ratio. They also highlight international diversity and industry engagement, evaluating how effectively institutions collaborate with industries and global academic networks.
Below are the key criteria used in THE rankings.
Focus Area
Indicators
Weightage
Teaching
Teaching Reputation
15%
Staff-to-student ratio
4.5%
Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio
2%
Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio
5.5%
Institutional income
2.5%
Research Environment
Research reputation
18%
Research income
5.5%
Research productivity
5.5%
Research Quality
Citation impact
15%
Research strength
5%
Research excellence
5%
Research influence
5%
International Outlook
Proportion of international students
2.5%
Proportion of international staff
2.5%
International collaboration
2.5%
Industry
Industry income
2%
Patents
2%
U.S. News & World Report Rankings
This metric considers key factors such as first-year retention rates, graduation rates, and student-to-faculty ratio. Additionally, aspects like student loan debt and financial resources assess how effectively universities support low-income students.
Below are the criteria used in the U.S. News & World Report Rankings.
Focus Indicators
Weightage
Graduation Rates
16%
First-year retention rates
5%
Graduation rate performance
10%
Pell graduation rates
5.5%
Pell graduation performance
5.5%
College grads earning more than a high school grad
5%
Borrower debt
5%
Peer assessment
20%
Financial resources
8%
Faculty salaries
8%
Full-time faculty
3%
Student-faculty ratio
4%
Standardized tests
5%
How Will upGrad Help You?
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Additionally, through its study abroad initiatives, upGrad provides:
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Here are some popular study abroad courses offered by upGrad at Colorado State University:
Colorado State University’s 2025 rankings reflect its strong academic foundation and commitment to sustainability. It holds a Top 4 position in the Sustainable Campus Index, emphasizing its leadership in environmental responsibility.
In global rankings, QS World University Rankings 2025 places Colorado State within the 442 range, recognizing its academic impact and international collaborations. The Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2025 position it in the 401-500 range, highlighting its research influence and teaching excellence. Meanwhile, U.S. News & World Report 2025 ranks it among the Top 150 Best National Universities, reinforcing its growing reputation in higher education.
With strengths in interdisciplinary sustainability programs (ranked 1st) and a Top 9 position in The Princeton Review’s "Guide to Green Colleges," Colorado State University continues to excel in innovation, research, and student experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose Colorado State University over Texas Tech University for better global recognition?
In the 2025 QS World University report, Colorado State University is placed around 450, whereas Texas Tech University falls between 781-790, giving CSU a stronger academic standing worldwide. CSU’s consistent presence in global rankings highlights its commitment to academic excellence and research impact.
Is CSU a better option than the University of Alabama based on the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) list?
THE 2025 places Colorado State University in the 401-500 range, while the University of Alabama is positioned between 801-1000. CSU stands out for its research impact and industry partnerships. Its strong ties with top global institutions further enhance its academic reputation.
How does CSU compare to Oklahoma State University in the U.S. News & World Report 2025?
U.S. News & World Report 2025 includes Colorado State University among the top 150 Best National Universities, while Oklahoma State University is ranked #196, reinforcing CSU’s stronger academic influence. With a focus on research, innovation, and student success, CSU continues to strengthen its national and global presence.
Which university is more committed to sustainability, CSU or the University of Central Florida?
CSU ranks 9th in The Princeton Review’s “Guide to Green Colleges” and is a top 4 institution in the Sustainable Campus Index. The University of Central Florida does not appear in the top 20, underscoring CSU’s leadership in environmental initiatives. Its sustainability programs, green infrastructure, and eco-friendly policies make it a pioneer in environmental responsibility.
Where will I get smaller class sizes—CSU or the University of Nevada, Reno?
CSU offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring more personalized academic engagement. The University of Nevada, Reno has an 18:1 ratio, meaning CSU provides greater faculty interaction. Smaller class sizes at CSU translate to more mentorship, hands-on learning, and stronger student support.
Is it easier to get into Colorado State University or the University of North Texas?
Colorado State University has a 90% acceptance rate, making it moderately selective, while the University of North Texas accepts 81% of applicants, giving CSU a slightly broader admission window. While admissions are accessible, CSU maintains high academic standards and offers strong career-driven programs.
How does CSU stand out in research excellence?
CSU holds the prestigious R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity classification from Carnegie, placing it among the top research institutions in the U.S. It leads in fields like veterinary sciences, engineering, and sustainability. The university’s multi-million-dollar research funding and collaborations with global organizations further solidify its leadership.
What makes Colorado State University a hub for innovation?
CSU is recognized among the Top 50 most innovative public universities, with groundbreaking research in clean energy, artificial intelligence, and technological advancements, strengthening its global reputation. Its partnerships with tech giants and investment in cutting-edge labs foster real-world solutions and entrepreneurial success.
Should I consider CSU for online education?
CSU’s online programs consistently rank in the Top 20 nationwide, offering flexible, career-driven education with the same academic rigor and expert faculty as its on-campus courses. With interactive learning tools, industry-aligned curriculum, and global networking opportunities, CSU’s online degrees stand out in the digital learning space.
How strong is Colorado State University’s veterinary sciences program?
CSU’s veterinary medicine program is among the Top 5 globally, offering cutting-edge research, advanced clinical training, and a world-class reputation in animal health. Its strong industry connections and state-of-the-art facilities make it a preferred choice for aspiring veterinary professionals.
Is CSU a good choice for environmental science?
CSU ranks among the Top 50 globally for environmental science, excelling in climate change research, water management, and ecological conservation, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. Its faculty-led projects and global impact in climate solutions make it a leader in the field.
What is CSU’s reputation in agricultural sciences?
CSU ranks in the Top 30 worldwide for agricultural sciences, leading advancements in precision farming, sustainable agriculture, and food security, making a major impact on global food production. With research-driven solutions and government-backed initiatives, CSU plays a crucial role in shaping the future of agriculture.
All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.
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