Colorado State University Ranking

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Colorado State University (CSU) is ranked #148 among National Universities and #3 in Veterinary Science globally, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2025 rankings. CSU offers strong academic programs and research opportunities, particularly in fields such as Veterinary Science and Agriculture.

Colorado State University rankings have positioned it as one of the top universities for studying abroad in 2025. Along with its top national ranking, CSU ranks #10 for Best Online Bachelor's Programs, according to U.S. News's 2025 online rankings.

For those looking to study in the USA, CSU offers an excellent campus experience with numerous opportunities for global engagement. 

Rankings 2024–25

Colorado State University has consistently maintained a strong position in both national and global rankings, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and research. For the 2024/25 academic year, CSU is ranked #442 by QS WUR, continuing its upward trajectory in both regional and global categories.

Here is a snapshot of Colorado State University's rankings across major global ranking agencies:

Ranking Agency	2024 Ranking	2025 Ranking	2026 Ranking
QS World University Rankings	#409	#442	458
Times Higher Education (THE)	401–500	401–500	-
U.S. News & World Report	#151	#148	148

Colorado State University’s QS World University Ranking slipped slightly from #442 in 2025 to #458 in 2026, reflecting a modest dip in global standing. Meanwhile, CSU maintained a stable position within the 401–500 band in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings throughout 2025 and 2026, demonstrating consistent global performance. In contrast, U.S. News & World Report shows positive momentum, with CSU rising from #151 in 2024 to #148 in 2025-2026, highlighting its strengthening academic and research profile.

Overall, CSU's rankings illustrate consistent growth in global recognition, particularly in its research output and specialized programs.

While the university excels overall, specific academic fields truly stand out. Let's break down how CSU ranks in specific subjects across global rankings.

Subject-wise Rankings of the Colorado State University

Colorado State University (CSU) excels in specialized fields, thereby strengthening its global presence and research capabilities. It ranks #3 in Veterinary Science in the QS World Rankings for 2025, #3 in Occupational Therapy in the U.S. News 2025 rankings, and is ranked 201-250 in Life Sciences in the Times Higher Education World Rankings.

Let's explore CSU's subject rankings according to QS World University Rankings, U.S. News & World Report, and Times Higher Education (THE) rankings for 2025.

QS World University Rankings

Here's a snapshot of key subject-wise Colorado State University ranking:

Subject	QS World Rank 2025
Veterinary Science	3
Geophysics	46
Geology	50
Earth & Marine Sciences	51–100
Agriculture & Forestry	56
Hospitality Management	51–100
Environmental Science	88
Biological Science	201–250
Natural Science	207
Civil Engineering	201–275
Life Science & Medicine	246
Education & Training	251–300
Engineering & Technology	371

Similarly, U.S. News & World Report provides rankings based on a wide range of factors. Here's how CSU fares according to this well-regarded publication.

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

CSU is ranked #80 in Biological Sciences by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. This ranking places CSU among the top universities in the United States. The recognition highlights the university's contribution to advancing knowledge in the biological sciences.

Here are the Colorado State University rankings in key areas:

Subject	Ranking for 2025
Occupational Therapy	#3
Statistics	#30
Chemistry	#51
Computer Science	#94
Biological Sciences	#80
Physics	#78
Mathematics	#86
Earth Sciences	#54
Best Engineering Schools	#59
Best Fine Arts Programs	#99
Economics	#102

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings assess universities based on teaching quality and research impact. Let's explore CSU's position in this global ranking.

Times Higher Education (THE) University Rankings

In the Life Sciences category, CSU is ranked 201-250th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. This ranking highlights the university's research excellence in fields such as biology and environmental science. CSU is recognized globally for its innovative approach in life sciences.

Here's a breakdown of Colorado State University subject-wise rankings across various disciplines in 2025:

Subject	THE World Rank 2025
Life Sciences	201-250th
Physical Sciences	201-250th
Psychology	251-300th
Education Studies	301-400th
Computer Science	301-400th
Arts and Humanities	401-500th
Engineering	401-500th
Social Sciences	401-500th
Medical and Health	501-600th
Business and Economics	601+

In addition to traditional academic rankings, CSU has earned recognition in various other areas. Let's look at some additional rankings and accolades for 2025.

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025

Colorado State University is recognized as #1 in Sustainability Curriculum nationwide, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainability. For students pursuing a Master's in Sustainability Abroad, CSU provides exceptional opportunities to grow in this field. 

Below is a detailed overview of Colorado State University rankings in key areas:

Category	Ranking/Recognition
Sustainability & Green Initiatives	Top 4 in Sustainable Campus Index (10th consecutive year)  STARS Platinum rating (1st U.S. university to achieve this 4 times)  #1 in Sustainability Curriculum nationwide • Platinum-Level Bike-Friendly University
Diversity & Inclusion	#1 Colorado employer for women (Forbes)  HEED Award recipient (11 times national recognition) Level 4 "Transforming Institution" (Positive Impact Rating for societal commitment)
Community Engagement	Carnegie Foundation's Community Engagement Classification #2 in Campus Engagement (AASHE)  #5 in Public Engagement (sustainability partnerships & policy)
Veteran & Military Support	Designated Military Friendly School  #33 Best Colleges for Veterans (student support & outcomes)

CSU's reputation is built on a foundation of consistent academic and research achievements. Let's take a look at some of the significant accomplishments that have helped the university maintain its strong standing.

Colorado State University: Excellence and Achievements

Colorado State University (CSU) excels in academics, research, and community impact, with $577 million in annual research funding and the #1 sustainability curriculum globally. If you want to become a research scientist, CSU provides an ideal environment to develop your skills while addressing global challenges. 

Now, let us explore CSU's achievements across three key dimensions:

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

CSU excels in fields like veterinary science and public health. Ranked #2 in Veterinary Medicine (U.S. News 2025) and #16 in Public Health, CSU's commitment to advanced research is clear. Its ongoing work in areas such as infectious disease research and environmental science further reinforces its position as a leader in these fields.

Below are some key academic achievements that showcase CSU's academic leadership:

Category	Recognition
Sustainability Research	Top 5 green colleges by Princeton Review.
Business Education	#1 globally for MBA sustainability (Corporate Knights 2024)
Cybersecurity	National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NSA-CAE-CD)

In addition to its academic strength, CSU stands out for its focus on community engagement and student life. Let's take a look at how CSU has been recognized for its efforts outside the classroom.

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

CSU's commitment to creating diversity, inclusion, and student success stories is reflected in its numerous recognitions. The university has been named #1 employer for women in Colorado (Forbes 2025) and has received the HEED Award multiple times. 

Additionally, CSU holds the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, demonstrating its active involvement with local and global communities.

The following recognitions illustrate how CSU is a supportive and engaged campus environment:

Category	Recognition
Diversity & Inclusion	HEED Award (11 times national recognition) Around 30% minority enrollment
Military Support	Top 33 Best College for Veterans Military Friendly School designation
Community Engagement	Carnegie Classification #2 in Campus Engagement (AASHE)

Having explored lifestyle and community recognitions, let's now have a look at CSU's cultural and creative excellence.

Cultural and Creative Excellence

Here are the awards that reflect CSU's active, creative spirit and its impact beyond traditional academia:

Category	Recognition
Sustainability Culture	STARS Platinum (4 times recipient) #1 in Sustainability Curriculum
Ethical Leadership	Level 4 PIR rating Top 5 for responsible education (Financial Times)
Global Citizenship	Top 5% for public engagement Carbon-offset credits

CSU's combination of academic distinction, community involvement, and cultural innovation creates a model for institutions striving to address global issues. 

Along with CSU's rankings, its acceptance rate is also a key factor to consider. Let's compare the university's rankings with its acceptance rate to provide more context about its admissions process.

Colorado State University: Ranking vs. Acceptance Rate

Understanding the acceptance rate provides insight into the competitiveness of the admission process. Colorado State University has an overall acceptance rate of 90%, indicating a relatively accessible admission process for most students. 

However, specific programs, such as Occupational Therapy, which is ranked #3 in the U.S. News rankings, and Statistics, ranked #30, have stricter requirements and a more selective admission process due to their high demand and competitive nature.

Here's how the acceptance rate varies across different programs:

Program	U.S. News Ranking 2025	Acceptance Rate
Computer Science	#94	90%
Engineering	#59
Economics	#102
Biological Sciences	#80
Chemistry	#51
Statistics	#30
Physics	#78
Mathematics	#86
Earth Sciences	#54

To understand how CSU is ranked, it's essential to examine the methodologies employed by various ranking organizations. Let's examine how different factors contribute to CSU's ranking.

Ranking Bodies Methodologies

Ranking bodies like U.S. News & World Report, QS World University Rankings (QS WUR), and Times Higher Education (THE) provide essential metrics for evaluating universities. These rankings help compare institutions, assess their academic strength, and inform decisions about your educational future. 

Here's a summary of the methodologies used to calculate rankings for Colorado State University.

U.S. News and World Report Methodology

The U.S. News & World Report rankings evaluate universities based on several criteria, including graduation rates (16%) and peer assessments (20%). These indicators reflect the university's overall academic quality and student outcomes, with CSU performing well in these areas.

The table below outlines its key focus areas for the 2025 Best Colleges 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%

In comparison, the QS World University Rankings places a strong emphasis on academic reputation and research output. Let's explore how these factors impact CSU's ranking.

QS World University Rankings Methodology

QS World University Rankings focus on academic reputation (30%) and citations per faculty (20%). These factors highlight CSU's research strengths and global academic recognition, contributing to its high rankings.

Below are the key indicators used to calculate the QS rankings:

Focus Indicators	Weightage
Academic Reputation	30%
Citations per Faculty	20%
Employer Reputation	15%
Employment Outcomes	5%
International Faculty Ratio	5%
International Research Network	5%
International Student Diversity	0%
International Student Ratio	5%
Faculty Student Ratio	10%
Sustainability	5%

For a more holistic approach, Times Higher Education (THE) evaluates universities based on teaching quality and research influence. Let's dive into how these elements contribute to CSU's standing.

Times Higher Education (THE)  University Rankings Methodology

THE Rankings measure universities based on teaching quality (29.5%) and research impact (30%). These factors reflect CSU's commitment to providing high-quality education and conducting influential research.

Category	Focus Indicators	Weightage
Teaching (The Learning Environment)	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%

These methodologies show how Colorado State University is evaluated across various dimensions, including academic strength, research output, and global collaboration, providing a clear view of its position in comparison to other institutions.

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 If you're considering Colorado State University, upGrad's study abroad program offers bridge courses to help you build a solid foundation in fields such as data science, engineering, and sustainability, making your transition to CSU seamless.

Here's how upGrad can enhance your experience at CSU:

• Expert Mentorship: Get personalized guidance from industry professionals and academic experts to help you succeed at CSU.
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Conclusion

Colorado State University showed a slight QS ranking drop from #442 in 2025 to #458 in 2026 but stayed steady in the 401–500 band in THE rankings. U.S. News rankings improved from #151 in 2024 to #148 in 2025, with growth expected in 2026, reflecting CSU’s strong academic and research standing.

CSU shines in specialized areas like veterinary science (#4 globally) and agriculture (#56 globally). However, its engineering and life sciences programs can still benefit from enhanced global visibility and research output.

With "R1: Very High Research Activity" status, CSU has strong research capabilities and can further strengthen its global standing by expanding international collaborations and interdisciplinary research.