Colorado State University - Fort Collins Reviews

  • 126 Reviews
  • Fort Collins (CO)
  • Annual Tuition: $32,734
95% of 126 students said this degree improved their career prospects
87% of 126 students said they would recommend this school to others
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Student & Graduate Reviews

J. Christensen
  • Reviewed: 3/28/2023
  • Degree: Biology
"I came to csu with the goal of preparing myself for a career in museum and research zoological science, and CSU mostly succeeded with this. But with the time and money invested in, it certainly could have done more. My main issue with CSU is with the degree requirements and lack of coordination in the natural sciences college. I spent probably over 50% of my time taking difficult classes that had little to do with my major and I had no interest in, that I feel were mostly about weeding students out rather than preparing us for work in our field. If I’m studying zoology, it seems ridiculous to have to take two semesters of chemistry and two semesters of physics, and only one semester of ecology, evolution, vertebrate zoology, invertebrate zoology, or statistics, which are much more relevant. I am 6 credits from graduating and panicking because I didn’t learn about all the things I wanted to. Thankfully CSU has a lot of good field courses and undergraduate research opportunities that gave me a taste of what my future career would be like- and I did not once use any material I learned in chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, or physics. I didn’t even need any cell biology- All my work is on a whole organism or populations, in fact animal behavior or population genetics would have been more helpful, but only cell bio was required. Maybe that’s what vet med students need for vet school- but that’s not me. Even more upsetting was that classes like “physics for life scientists” was just regular physics class, on par with an intro to physics in general- the professor had no background in biology at all and no idea what concepts we would need to know. Those base science classes should be adapted for practical purposes and taught by professors with an interdisciplinary interest in both zoology and whatever the class is on. If not, students should have more choice in what they want to take, perhaps by using major concentrations. And that’s not to say I believe zoologists should only take zoologists classes (I actually had a minor in a different field), I just think we should have more choice in it depending on what we want the degree to be for- as I would much rather take, say, more statistics, science writing, or geology, instead of chemistry or physics."
303jw1095
  • Reviewed: 12/17/2021
  • Degree: Chemistry
"I often felt like a second class person at CSU, both the professors and university staff made me feel "less than". It really is a education assembly line without any attempt to understand you as an individual. The chemistry department acted like any task performed for me was a waste of time because I was never going to get my PhD. When I was preparing to defend some staff and professors started having conversations with me that felt like attempts to apologize for mistreating me, however at that point I really had no desire to hear apologies. Even when I passed my defense some professors and staff still seemed to feel like it was okay to act like I had wasted there time. I published papers as the 1st and only author other than my advisor, I passed all the classes, and finished my cumes. I did well in my preliminary exam, but they continued to treat me like I didn't belong. I did have a hand full of positive interactions and a couple professors were very helpful. Unfortunately, these positive interactions were always overshadowed by the constant barrage of negativity hurled at me by so many of professors and much of the staff."
Brittany
  • Reviewed: 10/8/2021
  • Degree: Environmental Science
"I was of often talked down to because of my background. I came from a disadvantaged place and worked many blue collar jobs. I had faculty speak down to me on multiple occasions after they saw what I was currently doing in my career. I did not feel supported or like people wanted me there as part of the program. I have had problems every step of the way."
Staci
  • Reviewed: 12/18/2019
  • Degree: Biomedical Sciences
"I personally loved my undergrad at CSU. I think the campus has many things for students to do to get involved or meet others with similar interests. It is a fun environment for campus sports and other things, like annual bonfire when CSU verses their rival CU. As for classes, I think they are slowly trying to improve their chemistry department. Many of the professors I had for chemistry were there for research, so their classes weren't their main priority. CSU does offer a tutor center for many classes, which helped me tremendously for the chemistry classes. The beginning science classes are hard, and are weed out classes, so students should study and take them seriously. The biomedical science program was great. They give you hands on experience with cadavers in anatomy and offer a wide selection of electives from neuroanatomy to cardiopolmonary. I think the career center could improve on science careers because many companies at the Biotech job fair were not hiring at the time, but I think if students get in with research or become teaching assistants it will help with getting a job and references. Overall, I had a great experience at CSU."
CB
  • Reviewed: 12/16/2019
  • Degree: Biology
"Horrendous. I still have nightmares about this school. The teachers were terrible and I literally threw in the towel after one semester. Mind you I entered with a 3.7GPA. If you have ambitions to make a positive impact you can forget that. Once you get into any lab you will meet people that have such naively terrible intentions. Some of the professors are just plain bad people who produce junk research that really has a negative impact on people. I don't have much good to say about the general quality of students either. There were kids there who were depressed and suffering, meanwhile their classmates keep them completely ostracized and alone. The way some kids were treated was so messed up. I was sad going to class. One of my professors was prevented from teaching the semester after mine because he was intentionally trying to fail students. I caught another making a face behind my back during an entry level job interview. Next thing I know I'm counting seeds for Monsanto. No thanks. That company literally just lost millions to people who developed lymphoma from their product. The top employer from my degree offered me a job...it was such low pay. I literally left my entire field after working on my resume for years, learned a trade that doesn't require a college degree in one day (yes, one day), and now I'm being paid over twice as much as my FORMER colleagues and even more than the professors in 1/4 of the time it takes to get the that degree. I live next to a ski resort too. Had I stuck with CSU I never would have reached my dreams. There's something wrong with this picture. I could have picked up a book for free at the library, gotten all the challenges from my current job, and I help more people now than I ever did as a biologist. What a dump. Really. Don't do it. My company is insanely desperate for people and we teach as you go. You don't have to put up with some bums phony sense of entitlement and accomplishment. Half of the professors look like they haven't been able to afford a bath in months. In the real world you just work, earn, learn, and you get to afford a real house. You'll end up dead broke if you give this school your money. I thought I was the crazy one when I went to class and worked as a researcher here. It turns out the people here are nothing, but low life's intent on using you for their own personal gain. This kind of college is a joke when you can start saving for a house as soon as you're 18. I can't say this enough. The professors don't know anything. They travel off of someone else's dime. They don't make any money to support a normal life. They will continue to feed students garbage to maintain their social superiority. The truth is, they're nothing and have nothing to offer you. Your real teachers existed K-12. I'm so happy I'm far away from this school. I want to turn in my diploma to the president of CSU. If I get the chance, I will."
Anonymous Current Student
  • Reviewed: 3/30/2019
  • Degree: Anthropology
"As a current student at the university, I am choosing to remain anonymous as I am completely sure there would be great retaliation from faculty. My academic career has taken me to many institutions to lecture, train and participate in conferences, but I have never met more egotistical, self righteous, and yet entirely unorganized staff as the cultural anthropologists in the College of Liberal Arts. Every member of the staff I have encountered in the past few years has been both passive aggressive, uncaring and obtuse in their interactions with myself and cohort. For example, one peer needed to run home to change her paints during her period. She was called unprofessional and this incident became a point of gossip between staff for months. Another had obviously reached a difficult point in her life as her mentor was unsupportive and gossiped about her PTSD diagnosis. She reached out to a professor she trusted who then used that conversation against her in her end of semester review. My advise for anyone seeking a master's degree or a doctorate in any subdiscipline of anthropology is to stick clear of this department and search elsewhere for a faculty with a more supportive and professional reputation."
Sarah
  • Reviewed: 2/20/2019
  • Degree: Social Work
"The most valuable part of my education at Colorado State University were the connections I made. As an undergraduate student, these included connections to professors beyond my department. At times, I felt the classes in social work were too easy for me. The school's focus on diversity and oppression could be stronger. At the same time, the school's internship and practicum experiences are excellent. I learned many things by branching out beyond social work, as I had minors in Spanish and Leadership Studies, and made connections in honors and core courses. As an undergraduate student at CSU or anywhere, my biggest advice is to not allow your major to limit you. Universities are big places full of smart people, so take advantage of as much as you can."
Daniel
  • Reviewed: 10/17/2018
  • Degree: Business
"College of buisness advisors are not your friends!!! So far at Csu I get my appointments cancelled on me without any notification. And my advisor wont even meet with me. So picking classes will be fun for you wit no advisors. Yeah but csu is great if you dont need help picking classes or finding out what you wanna be. Good school just worst support system evee"
Jeremy C.
  • Reviewed: 6/30/2018
  • Degree: Pharmacy
"I currently attend Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, Colorado earning my Master of Science degree in Toxicology (MST). After graduating from my undergraduate career, I knew that I wanted to go into veterinary medicine, yet, I did not think I was mature enough academically to go into a professional, doctoral program. I stumbled upon the MST degree offering through a graduate program search service. The moment I read about the program, I was intrigued. It had the option of a one to a two-year degree program and I thought that this was perfect for me. The instructors and advisors involved in the MST program are always available for meetings outside of class and they genuinely want each of their students to succeed. Many of the students who matriculate into the MST program go on to receive a doctoral degree, whether that be a Ph.D., MD, DDS or DVM. I personally want to move on to veterinary school and one of the head faculty members is a veterinarian. I thought it was extremely important for me a prospective veterinary student study and be advised by someone in my desired field. In the degree program, students take about 11-12 credit hours per semester, depending on how long they want to be in the program. The classes included Forensic Toxicology, Environmental Contaminants, Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Toxicology, Toxicology Pathology and many others. These classes help the students to learn more about the world we live in and, by the end of each course, students have a unique appreciation for the field of toxicology. The MST program has also attracted attention from students around the world. My classmates hail from differing countries like Canada and China to different states: Mississippi, New York, Texas, Minnesota, Illinois, and California, just to name a few. The MST program is gaining traction and there are many students in their respective fields whom I have talked to that graduated from the MST program and they are now practicing physicians, veterinarians, and dentists. Aside from the MST program, CSU is a community of learners that want each student to succeed in their academic goals. From having tutors on-site eight hours a day to having community events on the student union plaza, I have never felt more at home than at CSU. Moving from Mississippi, a big proponent for me was the safety of the school and since being here, I have felt 100% safety at all times. I spend a lot of my time in the library and do not walk home until midnight each night and I have never had to be on high-alert while walking through CSU at night to get to my apartment. However, if I had felt unsafe, CSU provides a police escort service that will walk any person to their car if that person needs extra reassurance. I have even had night exams where the professor stresses that if any student felt uncomfortable walking home after the exam, to call CSU police services. CSU does an excellent job of making students their priority. As an MST student, I do not interact very often with the undergraduate community but I certainly feel at home at CSU and would rank it higher than 100% if I could."
Sophanite Gedion
  • Reviewed: 6/21/2018
  • Degree: Political Science
"I absolutely loved my time at Colorado State University! I feel that the education I received at this institution prepared me adequately for the real world but more than the in-class education coursework I completed, the value of my time at CSU laid in the opportunities I was able to take advantage of. I was a member of student organizations such as CSU Greek Life, Pi Sigma Alpha (a political science org), Order of Omega (an academic org), a Ram Welcome Leader, an intern at the State Capital and the United Way of Larimer County and I even studied abroad in Thailand for a semester. I would have to say that the area where this university falls short is diversity in admissions. As an African American woman born and raised in the state of Colorado I am used to being in the minority but CSU has about a 2% black student population and around a 15% overall minority population which is indefensibly low. I was lucky to be a part of several diverse student organizations that leaned progressive but the campus is pretty split between liberal and conservative views- a fairly typical university atmosphere. Overall, I am so happy that I went to CSU and my only regret is not pushing for more funding (scholarships, grants, etc) from the University. As long as you capitalize on connections you make in the time you spend there you are sure to secure employment post-grad in the field of your choosing or a slot in a graduate program. I am working for Denver Public Schools and I will be an MPA Candidate at the NYU Wagner School of Public Service this Fall so it worked out for me!"
Claire B
  • Reviewed: 5/2/2018
  • Degree: Liberal Arts
"I attended Colorado State University (CSU) fresh out of high school on a full ride academic scholarship. When CSU awarded me the scholarship, I was able to explore my options with a lightened stress load. My experience at CSU was very positive. My academic advisors were always available, friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help. I changed degree paths a couple of times, and they helped me navigate my course. Most of my professors were fantastic. I spent a lot of time in Spanish classes, and the instructors were often natives to a Spanish-speaking country, full of life, and created a challenge in my learning. Other professors were great in their own right, opening my 18-year-old eyes to ideas that Id never before considered. The most significant takeaway from my undergrad was my growth as a person thanks to being exposed to higher education. At that time, my studies were focused on Spanish, history, and international development. I wanted to study Central and South America, but CSU didnt offer that concentration, so I had to go with Europe instead. That is one area of my program I was disappointed in I wish they would have offered a Latin America concentration for my degree. I still dont understand why they wouldnt have, and I know others wished the same. Things that didnt affect me as much because I was on a scholarship, but that I did notice out of empathy for those paying their own way, was the price of things like parking. Some of the fees are the school seemed outrageous. But overall, I love CSU. It is a fantastic University in a beautiful area. I miss being on campus there and soaking up all the school has to offer."
Landon Alexander
  • Reviewed: 1/30/2018
  • Degree: Political Science
"Colorado State University is an amazing institution. The campus is extremely beautiful and the administration is always taking steps to create an educationally conducive environment for students. Besides being in an absolutely beautiful location, the school itself offers a wide variety of programs and extracurricular activities. Furthermore, there is a plethora of support for students in regards to academics and other helpful resources. In all, CSU is a great place to go to school and I would recomend it to anyone."
Carl Meyer
  • Reviewed: 1/21/2018
  • Degree: Health Sciences
"Each student has a unique set of priorities when searching for their college fit, but Colorado State University quite honestly has it all. The academics are superb, and are set apart by a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, excellent programs with invested faculty, and a small college feel at a University with tons of resources and potential for their students. In addition, Fort Collins is one of the all time great towns in the United States, and the two combined created a college utopia. While this was my own experience as a student there, I recognize that CSU is not for everyone. However, if you are looking for a University with a people-first, adventure-casual town, that strives for excellence and can prepare you well for your future career, CSU is perfect. The people will always stand apart here, and I would not change my choice for a second. The Admissions Counselors are always willing to answer questions, I received financial aid every year I was there (because I took the time to fill it out), and it is BEAUTIFUL. However, be sure to visit campus, because finding the right fit is about what stands out to YOU. They will be the first to tell you if they don't have your program, and they want you to succeed as much as you do. By investing in the school, it has invested as much, if not more back into me, and I keep in touch with several faculty who have transitioned from teachers to mentors to finally friends. Those relationships are far more valuable than any notes I took in college. I am honestly incredibly proud to be a CSU Ram!"
Jeremy K. Coleman
  • Reviewed: 12/31/2017
  • Degree: Pharmacy
"I currently attend Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, Colorado earning my Master of Science degree in Toxicology (MST). After graduating from my undergraduate career, I knew that I wanted to go into veterinary medicine, yet, I did not think I was mature enough academically to go into a professional, doctoral program. I stumbled upon the MST degree offering through a graduate program search service. The moment I read about the program, I was intrigued. It had the option of a one to two-year degree program and I thought that this was perfect for me. The instructors and advisors involved in the MST program are always available for meetings outside of class and they genuinely want each of their students to succeed. Many of the students who matriculate into the MST program go on to receive a doctoral degree, whether that be a Ph.D., MD, DDS or DVM. I personally want to move on to veterinary school and one of the head faculty members is a veterinarian. I thought it was extremely important for me a prospective veterinary student to study and be advised by someone in my desired field. In the degree program, students take about 11-12 credit hours per semester, depending on long they want to be in the program. The classes included Forensic Toxicology, Environmental Contaminants, Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Toxicology, Toxicology Pathology and many others. These classes help the students to learn more about the world we live in and, by the end of each course, students have a unique appreciation for the field of toxicology. The MST program has also attracted attention from students around the world. My classmates hail from differing countries like Canada and China to different states: Mississippi, New York, Texas, Minnesota, Illinois and California, just to name a few. The MST program is gaining traction and there are many students in their respective fields whom I have talked to that graduated from the MST program and they are now practicing physicians, veterinarians and dentists. Aside from the MST program, CSU is a community of learners that want each student to succeed in their academic goals. From having tutors on site eight hours a day to having community events on the student union plaza, I have never felt more at home than at CSU. Moving from Mississippi, a big proponent for me was the safety of the school and since being here, I have felt 100% safety at all times. I spend a lot of my time in the library and do not walk home until midnight each night and I have never had to be on high-alert while walking through CSU at night to get to my apartment. However, if I had felt unsafe, CSU provides a police escort service that will walk any person to their car if that person needs extra reassurance. I have even had night exams where the professor stresses that if any student felt uncomfortable walking home after the exam, to call CSU police services. CSU does an excellent job of making students their priority. As a MST student, I do not interact very often with the undergraduate community but I certainly feel at home at CSU and would rank it higher than 100% if I could."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Biomedical Sciences
"CSU is a great campus for undergraduates. Undergraduates are encourage to participate in research activities and get experience in their early years."
DragonSwim
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Chemistry
"Colorado State is a wonderful university in a beautiful city. I loved being able to balance work and play between completely my schoolwork and escaping to the mountains."
Ash
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Social Work
"I loved college, as a first generation student, I did feel lost at first though. Afraid to ask for help, disappointed in my advisers who hated being advisers, unsure about which building I should even start in. Clubs and volunteer activities weren't an option for me because I worked 3 part time jobs, so when I wasn't in class, I was at work. This made friend making difficult because I never had free time to hang out- if I did- I was asleep like the dead. I had to push had to make lasting social connections, and the brief handy ones just for the semester. (If I got sick or had a work/family emergency semester friends will loan you notes but don't rely solely on them!). Even if it looks like everyone knows what they're doing, I can promise you, they don't. Don't worry about them, worry about yourself instead. What makes you happy? not rich, not even financially comfortable because that's not a option to a lot of young people. Follow that thing. Even if it's a slight glimmer in the darkness of your interest, there your contentment and joy lies."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Mathematics
"The faculty at Colorado State were very helpful and supportive. The graduate school administration was a nightmare."
Alexandra Carroll
  • Reviewed: 6/25/2017
  • Degree: Biology
"Colorado state university is an excellent institution, but I would not recommend attending the biology program if you are religious in any way. When I attended, each preliminary class began with the professor standing before his or her classroom and giving a long lecture about how, if we were religious, we were not allowed to discuss it. i'm guessing this stems from the creation/evolution debate, but I found it frustrating because I just wanted to learn. It was a pretty good institution, but rather close-minded."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Mathematics
"Colorado State provided me with a good education and the support I needed. The department was fantastic, and the school is located in a great city."