Oregon State vs CSU-FC

Oregon State University and Colorado State University-Fort Collins, both esteemed public research universities, offer distinct educational experiences. Oregon State, nestled in the picturesque Willamette Valley, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option. Colorado State, situated in the vibrant city of Fort Collins, attracts a more diverse student body. While Oregon State excels in agriculture, forestry, and engineering, Colorado State shines in veterinary medicine, business, and engineering. Both universities offer a vibrant campus life, with Oregon State known for its spirited sports culture and Colorado State renowned for its active student organizations. With comparable graduation rates, the choice between these two institutions hinges on individual preferences, academic aspirations, and campus culture. Explore the detailed comparison table to discern which university aligns best with your unique goals and aspirations.

	Colorado State University-Fort Collins	Oregon State University
Overview
Location	Fort Collins, Colorado	Corvallis, Oregon
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	86.0%	87.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	89.6%	89.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1080 - 1290	1120 - 1370
ACT range	23 - 29	21 - 28
Students submitting SAT score	38.0%	25.0%
Students submitting ACT score	17.0%	13.0%
Total number of applicants	31,586	23,188
Total number of admissions given out	28,314	20,687
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,197	3,965
Yield rate	18.4%	19.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,174 Out of state: $46,456	In state: $29,393 Out of state: $48,784
Average net price	$18,320	$20,318
Tuition	In state: $9,709 Out of state: $28,991	In state: $10,065 Out of state: $29,456
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,186 Meal plan: $6,830	Room/dormitory: $10,260 Meal plan: $4,500
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	70.0% Average amount $10,034	87.0% Average amount $9,156
Students receiving federal student loan	36.0% Average amount $5,018	28.0% Average amount $4,944
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $19,976	4.0% Average amount $18,709

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	24,954 Men 45.6% Women 54.4%	27,564 Men 52.0% Women 48.0%
Graduate students	7,632 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%	5,629 Men 46.2% Women 53.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	34.3%	35.8%
International students	4.8%	7.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	8,300	5,055
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Colorado California Texas Illinois Washington	Oregon California Washington Hawaii Colorado

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Agriculture Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Engineering Education Natural Resources and Conservation Biological and Biomedical Sciences Health Professions
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.1%	68.2%
Dropout rate	18.5%	10.0%
Transferred out	10.4%	18.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $94,915 Year 3: $106,015 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,613 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $95,296 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,379 Year 2: $75,706 Year 3: $93,827 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,747 Year 2: $80,301 Year 3: $92,215 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $73,256 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $89,957 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,253 Year 2: $73,070 Year 3: $88,889 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $77,603 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $88,546 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,387 Year 2: $83,546 Year 3: $86,814 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,629 Year 2: $71,778 Year 3: $83,089 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,849 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $80,723	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $114,696 Year 2: $124,122 Year 3: $129,702 Education, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $105,213 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,539 Year 2: $78,719 Year 3: $92,424 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $79,421 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $87,236 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,600 Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $84,460 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,654 Year 2: $73,035 Year 3: $83,827 Construction Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,542 Year 2: $71,295 Year 3: $81,840 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,943 Year 2: $67,420 Year 3: $76,191 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,476 Year 2: $62,863 Year 3: $76,134 Manufacturing Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $75,733

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Oregon State University (OSU) and Colorado State University (CSU) in terms of location and campus environment?

Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, Oregon, a smaller city in the Willamette Valley known for its natural beauty and proximity to both the coast and the Cascade Mountains. The campus has a classic, collegiate feel. Colorado State University is situated in Fort Collins, Colorado, a larger city at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Fort Collins offers a more urban environment with a vibrant downtown scene and easy access to outdoor recreation. CSU's campus is more spread out and modern.
How do OSU and CSU compare in terms of academic reputation and popular programs?

Both Oregon State and Colorado State are well-regarded public universities. OSU is particularly strong in STEM fields like engineering, forestry, and agriculture, and also has a growing reputation in oceanography. CSU excels in areas such as veterinary medicine, natural resources, and atmospheric science. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their specific areas of strength differ slightly.
What is the cost of attendance like at Oregon State University versus Colorado State University?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status. Generally, tuition and fees at both OSU and CSU are lower for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition rates and fee schedules. Also, consider the cost of living in Corvallis and Fort Collins, as this can impact the overall expense.
What are the admission requirements for Oregon State University and Colorado State University?

Admission requirements for both universities typically include a strong high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, though test-optional policies may apply), and a well-rounded application that showcases your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Specific requirements may vary by program, so it's crucial to review the admission guidelines for your intended major on each university's website.
How do the student populations and campus cultures differ between OSU and CSU?

Both OSU and CSU have large student populations, creating diverse and vibrant campus communities. OSU tends to draw a larger proportion of students from Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, while CSU attracts students from across the United States and internationally, particularly from Colorado and surrounding states. Both universities offer a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities to cater to diverse interests. OSU has a strong emphasis on sustainability and outdoor recreation, while CSU is known for its school spirit and connection to the local community.
What kind of research opportunities are available at Oregon State University and Colorado State University?

Both OSU and CSU are research universities with ample opportunities for students to get involved in cutting-edge research. OSU has significant research programs in areas like marine science, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. CSU is a leader in research related to infectious diseases, climate change, and water resources. Students can participate in research through faculty-mentored projects, undergraduate research programs, and research-focused student organizations.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare at OSU and CSU?

Both Oregon State and Colorado State offer comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers. These services include career counseling, resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. Both universities also have strong relationships with employers in their respective regions and beyond, providing students with access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities. The specific industries that are most prevalent may differ based on the local economies surrounding each university.
What are the housing options like at Oregon State University and Colorado State University?

Both OSU and CSU offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suite-style living, and apartment-style housing. On-campus housing is typically guaranteed for incoming freshmen, but it's important to apply early. Off-campus housing is also readily available in both Corvallis and Fort Collins, with a range of apartments, houses, and shared living arrangements. The cost of off-campus housing can vary depending on location and amenities.
How do the athletic programs compare between Oregon State University and Colorado State University?

Oregon State University competes in the Pac-12 Conference, which is known for its strong athletic programs. OSU's most popular sports include football, basketball, and baseball. Colorado State University competes in the Mountain West Conference. CSU's athletic programs are also competitive, with a strong emphasis on football, basketball, and volleyball. Both universities offer a wide range of intercollegiate sports and recreational activities for students.
What are the surrounding areas like, and what recreational activities are available near OSU and CSU?

Oregon State University is located in the Willamette Valley, surrounded by forests, rivers, and farmland. Outdoor recreational opportunities include hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing in the nearby Cascade Mountains. The Oregon coast is also within a short drive. Colorado State University is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, offering easy access to hiking, camping, rock climbing, skiing, and snowboarding. Fort Collins also has a vibrant craft beer scene and numerous parks and trails.

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