Undergraduate Admission (How to Apply)

The following information pertains to prospective transfer students seeking admission to undergraduate degree completion programs only which require a minimum of 60 semester hours of transferable college credit. Applicants to degree completion programs are held to the same University admission standards as are applicants for on-campus degree programs.

Before You Apply

1. Schedule a transfer evaluation

Undergraduate degree completion programs offered through CSU OnlinePlus require at least 60 credits be transferred to Colorado State University. Courses can only be considered for transfer credit if they were completed within the past 10 years. In light of these requirements, the first step in the admission process is to ensure you have the credits necessary to continue your undergraduate education at CSU.

To initiate a transfer evaluation, mail a copy of all of your transcripts (official or unofficial) from all the institutions you’ve attended to OnlinePlus (attention Frances Betts). Frances will work with the Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA) to review your transcript and determine which credits will be accepted at CSU as core credits and electives. Expect the transfer evaluation process to take up to two weeks.

2. Speak with an adviser

After the transfer evaluation has been completed, Frances will schedule an appointment with you and an adviser (via phone or in-person) to discuss your transfer evaluation. Also, at this time you will discuss your academic path and time frame and any additional elements of the program.

In preparation for this initial meeting, review the degree requirements of CSU to ensure you understand your commitment to completing your education at CSU. Read through the degree and course information on our website as well as any resources on the college/department website including a program course checklist.

Minimum Admission Requirements

At a minimum, you must meet the following:

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA (2.5 cumulative GPA preferred) from all coursework previously attempted and completed
  • Satisfy admission requirement in mathematics
  • High school graduation or equivalent

Admission Considerations

  • GPA - Priority consideration is given to transfer applicants who have earned a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in 24 or more college-level academic semester credits. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale) is preferred; applicants must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to be considered for admission. The cumulative GPA includes all institutions attended.
  • Trends in grades - Grade trends are important. Grades of D and F do not constitute successful completion and courses will not transfer. Students with grades of D or F are encouraged to retake the course(s).
  • Rigor of college-level academic courses - Rigorous college-level academic courses are favored. While remedial and/or vocational courses may strengthen foundation skills and provide solid technical training, college-level academic work is the best indication of potential for academic success at Colorado State University.
  • Prerequisite transfer coursework - You are strongly encouraged, but not required, to have successfully completed college composition before entering Colorado State University. If a transferrable college-level composition course has not been completed, ACT or SAT results may be used to determine placement into college composition.
  • High school graduation (or equivalent)
    • Admission as a transfer applicant requires high school graduation OR completion of a GED OR an affidavit that the applicant was homeschooled until at least age 17.
    • Transfer Applicants with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from a regionally-accredited community or junior college OR a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited four-year institution (for second bachelor's/postgraduate applicants) are exempt.
  • Essay and recommendation(s) - You should use the essay and letters of recommendation to help give the admissions committee a full picture of your background.

Step 1 – Apply Online

Complete the online undergraduate application form and pay the $50 application fee (payable online with a major credit card).

Step 2 – Submit Application Materials

Gather all of the following required application materials and submit to the Office of Admissions:

  • Official transcripts
    An official transcript for each college or university attended even if you did note earn credit (i.e. withdrew from all classes) or earned poor grades. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required; however, previous work attempted and completed at CSU is included in the review of your application.
  • Official high school transcript and ACT or SAT results
    The high school transcript is used to determine whether certain coursework requirements are satisfied. ACT/SAT results are used to determine placement into college composition if you have not completed that course.
  • Personal statement
    Your personal statement should be 250-500 words, focused, honest, and well-written in your own words. Quality is more important than quantity. View suggested topics.
  • Recommendation(s)
    One recommendation is required, additional recommendations are optional.
    • Recommendations should come from individuals who can speak to your personal character and potential for academic success.
    • You may use the Printable Recommendation Form, a recommendation letter or both.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

Submit all application materials to:

Office of Admissions
Colorado State University
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Application Deadlines

Applications for admission are available for the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer admission is not available.

Note: Online applications must be submitted before 5 p.m. (Mountain Time) on the deadline date.

Deadlines for degree programs offered though CSU OnlinePlus may not follow University dates. Visit the degree webpage for specific dates as your program may have deadlines that vary from those listed below.

Fall Semester July 1
Spring Semester November 1

After You Apply

Admissions decisions are given on a rolling basis and may take up to six weeks during high volume application periods.

Once the application is processed, applicants are sent instructions to check their application status online via RAMweb.

Additional Information

For complete details on undergraduate admission as a transfer student, visit the Admission Transfer website.