CSU to guarantee admission for top in-state high schoolers

FORT COLLINS — Colorado State University has launched a pilot admission program in which Colorado high school students who apply for the summer or fall 2027 terms are guaranteed admission with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

The pilot program builds on Colorado’s recently launched guaranteed admission program with the Denver Public School District and the growing emphasis on college access and attainment. CSU officials say the pilot also aligns with CSU’s land-grant mission, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to educational access, social mobility and serving residents across all regions of the state.

The initiative is limited to summer and fall 2027, and then the university will assess the program for possible long-term implementation.

“Colorado students are central to CSU’s mission, and their success is essential to the future of our institution and our state,” Kevin MacLennan, vice president for enrollment and access, said in a prepared statement. “The new guaranteed admission program reflects CSU’s strong commitment to expanding educational opportunity for Colorado residents and providing a transparent pathway to higher education. We want Colorado students and families to know that CSU values their aspirations, welcomes their talents and is dedicated to helping them achieve their goals. By investing in Colorado students, CSU is investing in the workforce, communities and economic vitality of Colorado for generations to come.”

Lise Youngblade, CSU provost and executive vice president, said reducing barriers to higher education advances CSU’s land-grant mission and its top priority of student success.

“This guarantee gives Colorado students and families greater confidence that a CSU education is within reach, where students can learn alongside outstanding faculty, explore their interests and prepare for their futures,” Youngblade said. “Opening the door is just the beginning. We are equally committed to helping students find a sense of belonging, succeed academically and develop the skills and sense of purpose to pursue their goals.”

The guaranteed admission program, which will also be open to applicants for summer 2027, is expected to reduce barriers and uncertainty for Colorado students, strengthen CSU’s commitment to educational opportunity, increase access for rural and underserved communities, expand enrollment among first-generation students, improve geographic representation across Colorado and support statewide degree attainment goals.

Research indicates that students are more likely to enroll when application requirements and admission expectations are easy to understand. In addition, a guaranteed pathway removes ambiguity and provides students with confidence that they have a place at CSU if they meet established benchmarks.

Specific eligibility requirements are available online.

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