The ‘life-changing energy’ of Colorado State University

Colorado State University (CSU), recently recognised as one of Money magazine’s Best Colleges in America, strikes the perfect balance between big university opportunities and small university support.

Nestled in Fort Collins, where the Rocky Mountains meet a vibrant cityscape, CSU fuses the vast resources characteristic of a large public research institution with the personalised attention often found in smaller schools. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, faculty members have the time and space to empower and inspire students to achieve their fullest potential. This unique blend empowers you to thrive both academically and personally, ensuring a transformative university experience where you’ll “find your life-changing energy.”

Experiential, world-changing programmes

Quinnipiac’s mechanical, civil, industrial, and software engineering programmes are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology or ABET, as it’s known now. This signifies that they meet the highest standards of engineering education in the country. Similarly, the BS in Computer Science programme is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

“In all of our computing programmes, we hope to instil advanced knowledge of computing skills, ethical behaviour in the profession, and a dedication to lifelong learning so that our students will always be up-to-date with new technology,” says Brian O'Neill, Interim Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Computer Science.

Projects are a big part of these programmes. Last year, two seniors developed an interface that allows people with limited mobility in their hands to operate a mouse by blinking or winking their eyes. Another team created a VR/AR space that a local healthcare provider will be using to ensure their staff is regularly recertified. “Quinnipiac University’s relationship with local companies like Hartford Healthcare have led to opportunities like the VR/AR senior project described above,” says O'Neill. “Students in the Software Engineering programme are required to have a professional development experience (typically an internship); these are highly encouraged, but not required, in Computer Science. Recently, we’ve had students do internships at companies like Salesforce and DraftKings!”

CSU offers a wide range of hands-on, high-quality undergraduate programmes – as many as nearly 300 options, including over 70 majors and about 100 minors. Some popular fields include Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Animal Science, Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Psychology, and Hospitality and Event Management. There’s a full spectrum of academic interests here for you to combine majors and minors to create the ideal study plan for you.

Learning that goes far beyond your major

Not only do you decide what you learn, but you’ll get to choose how you learn too. At CSU, there are many ways to maximise your academic experience. There are academic clubs, internships, undergraduate research, study abroad (and at sea) opportunities, and tutoring and study groups. Again, it’s all about you customising your education to lead you to the career of your dreams.

CSU has a long list of services and resources that ensure you have everything you need to succeed. There’s a Health Network (that includes mental health and well-being as well as multicultural counselling) and eight cultural resource centres for various backgrounds, from Black/African American students to LGBTQ+ students.

A-Z support for all

International students have a team dedicated to helping you thrive at CSU. From day one, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will help you get to, adjust to, and make the most of your time here. They organise orientation, run events, manage important immigration matters, and help you maintain your status while navigating US regulations. International Advisors are always ready to offer assistance via Zoom or in person.

Graduate success is a big part of CSU’s DNA. As many as 85% of graduates secure a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. Over nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

From CSU to great careers

CSU’s Career Center plays a major role in this feat. It has assisted more than 90% of CSU graduates, including many international students, in securing further education or employment in their chosen fields. These graduates enjoy an impressive average annual salary of US$77,389. Even better, international students can benefit from post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), enabling you to apply to work in the US for 12 months after graduation (or 36 months for STEM majors).

What the students say