College Comparison
Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
School
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Colorado State | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 89.6% | 46.0%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1190–1340wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 25–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $33,751 | $31,974wins |
| Avg Net Price | $20,332 | $18,109wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $60,543wins | $60,249 |
| Graduation Rate | 66.9% | 73.5%wins |
| Retention Rate | 84.8% | 91.1%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 25,148 | 28,763wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Tennessee edges out Colorado State on 7 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Colorado State Strengths
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $60,543
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Tennessee Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 46.0%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1190–1340
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $31,974
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,109
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