Founded in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, Colorado State University (CSU) has grown to become one of the leading public research universities in the United States. Nestled in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado, CSU spans across a campus that encompasses more than 4,700 acres, with a substantial student body that includes over 30,000 undergraduates and graduates. The university stands out for its broad array of programs, comprising of eight colleges and 55 academic departments, and is renowned for its strong commitment to research, inclusiveness, and sustainability.
Unique to Colorado State University is its emphasis on environmental research and sustainability practices, which have garnered it widespread recognition. The School of Global Environmental Sustainability is an exemplar, drawing on the expertise from all eight colleges to address critical sustainability challenges through broad-based research and outreach. CSU is one of the few universities with a Vice President for Sustainability, reflecting its institutional priority. The university's state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Powerhouse Energy Campus, continue to push the envelope in clean energy research. Additionally, CSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is consistently ranked among the top veterinary programs in the nation, known for its innovative research and leading veterinary teaching hospital.
Colorado State University prides itself on its positive community impact and a wealth of achievements. The university is hailed for its efforts in promoting diversity and inclusivity within its student body and faculty. Its commitment to community service is evident through the university's collaborative programs, such as the CSU Extension, which provides resources and support to tackle local challenges in agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources. The university's vibrant campus culture and strong alumni network are reflected in the successful careers of its graduates, with notable alumni spanning various fields including Nobel laureates, astronauts, and influential business leaders. CSU regularly secures substantial research funding, which allows it to contribute significantly to ground-breaking studies across various disciplines, from infectious disease research to atmospheric science.
However, like any institution, Colorado State University faces its share of challenges. With a significant focus on expanding its research capabilities and growing the student population, CSU has had to contend with issues stemming from rapid growth, such as strain on housing facilities and increased class sizes that might impact the student-faculty ratio. In recent years, Fort Collins has seen a steep rise in the cost of living, potentially affecting the affordability and accessibility of higher education for prospective and current students. Furthermore, despite its extensive research funding, departments across the university experience varying levels of support, leading to disparities that can affect the distribution of resources and opportunities within its diversely populated academic landscape. Nonetheless, CSU continues to strive for excellence by seeking solutions to these issues as it aims to maintain its status as a top-tier institution offering excellent education and research.
