For cost to attend, efforts to ensure student success, and program prominence from Schools.com

For contributions to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and providing opportunities for public service from Washington Monthly – 2022

For being among 126 universities considered academically outstanding and well worth consideration in a college search, from Princeton Review – 2022

For the number of scholars awarded Fulbright awards, an academic honor for faculty members who receive scholarships to study, teach, conduct research, and contribute to finding solutions to complex global challenges, from the U.S. Department of State – 2023

For diverse, accomplished, and well-paid faculty members based on student reviews and key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, from Niche – 2023

For outstanding campus resources across classrooms, labs, performance venues, housing, food, and recreational facilities, based student reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education, from Niche – 2023

For admissions selectivity, professor quality, and academic resources, based on data from the U.S. Department of Education and reviews from students and alumni, from Niche – 2023

For how well we help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices, from Washington Monthly – 2022

For quality of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education plus reviews from students and alumni from Niche – 2023

For being among 388 best colleges nationwide, based on survey results from students for everything from financial aid and career services to sustainability and quality of life, from Princeton Review – 2022

For quality of academics and professors, value, student-faculty ratio, quality of campus food and housing, diversity, safety, student life, and more from Niche – 2023

For quality of programs in both undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as the commitment to both reinvest in campus and to increase student retention, from U.S. News and World Report – 2022

One of 10 doctoral universities worldwide recognized for comprehensive sustainability efforts, including environmental, social and economic dimensions, from AASHE – 2023. CSU is the first university in the world to earn this rating four times.

For bicycle network and connectivity, motorist awareness and bicycling skills, mainstreaming bicycling culture, promoting safety, and planning, from the League of American Cyclists

For being among 25 universities where students highly rate administration and student support for environmental awareness and conservation efforts, from Princeton Review – 2022

For being a top worldwide doctoral university in overall sustainability impact, including curriculum, research, campus and public engagement, and well-being, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), from AASHE – 2023

For helping to ensure a better future for pollinators. CSU is among just 107 campuses in the nation — and the only one in Colorado — with this certification, from Bee City USA. Psst … check out our bee cam.

For being one of 400+ colleges nationwide with a framework to care for their community forests, including a tree advisory committee, a tree care plan, a dedicated budget, observation of Arbor Day, and student service projects, from from Arbor Day Foundation – 2023

And No. 5 in the nation

For superb sustainability practices, a strong foundation in sustainability education, and a healthy quality of life for students on campus, from the Princeton Review – 2023

For being one of 31 universities in the nation to earn a perfect score for providing a healthy and sustainable quality of life on campus, for preparing students for employment in the clean-energy economy, and for environmentally responsible school policies, from the Princeton Review – 2022

For outstanding on-campus dining, including easily accessible healthy, quality food across a wide range of cuisines and dietary preferences, based on meal plan costs and student reviews, from Niche – 2023

For the best college athletic programs for sports fans and student athletes based on key statistics and student reviews, from Niche – 2023

For a positive, fun, and friendly student culture and a vibrant campus community, based on student reviews and statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, from Niche – 2023

For being one of the top 25 Peace Corps volunteer-producing colleges and universities between 2003 and 2023, with 1,778 total volunteers in a decade, from Peace Corps – 2023

And No. 46 nationwide for university culture, student support, academic policies, academic outcomes/quality, and cost and financial aid, from Military Times – 2022

For a thriving economy and culture that make a city perfect for a long-term commitment, from College Ranker

For small to mid-sized U.S. cities for affordability, remote readiness, health care, low crime rates, climate, schools, economic growth, and recreation and amenities, from Livability – 2022

For being one of 150 most-populated metro areas to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market, and a high quality of life, from U.S News and World Report – 2023

For best places in Colorado to live, analyzed using key lifestyle factors including median home price, personal income per capita, and unemployment and crime rates, from Forbes – 2023

For bike-related fatalities, miles of protected bike lanes, bike theft claims, state laws protecting bikers from drivers, and more, from Lemonade Insurance – 2023

For youth engagement, connecting biking networks, and building trails for all skill levels, from the PeopleForBikes Foundation– 2022

For college towns that offer excellent nightlife, dining, recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions, based on key statistics and student reviews, from Niche – 2023

For livability, student-to-resident ratio, cultural offerings, school presence, and large employers, from Best College Reviews – 2022

For being among the safest cities for young drivers, using vehicle fatality data from the Insurance Institution for Highway Safety and other government sources, from Driving Tests – 2021