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Attend CSU from your own backyard


Start your college journey with Colorado State University at the CSU Spur Campus in Denver


About the CSU Spur Start Program

CSU Spur Start is a new and unique program that offers students an opportunity to complete the first year of their Colorado State University education at the CSU Spur campus in Denver. Enjoy the benefits of being a full-time CSU student close to home while launching your college degree in an environment rich with unique experiences that propel you toward your academic and personal goals.

Immerse yourself in hands-on learning that integrates high impact research, industry engagement, and community impact. Small class sizes, exceptional instructors, and a close-knit learning community will help you grow as a student and as an individual, all while completing your first year at CSU’s Spur campus.

After your first year, you’ll transition with your CSU Spur Start cohort to the CSU Fort Collins campus where you’ll continue pursuing your degree — equipped with the knowledge, skills, and connections to thrive.


About CSU Spur

At CSU Spur, CSU provides learning opportunities focused on career discovery, college preparation, higher education pathways, and continued professional development. Visitors to CSU Spur might watch live animal surgeries or horse-assisted therapies; talk with food scientists, hydroponic food production experts, or water engineers; or attend a public lecture, workshop, or theater performance. CSU offers a growing array of educational opportunities from undergraduate courses and one-time workshops to certificate programs and even graduate degree programs.

The CSU Spur campus is located in Denver at the National Western Center. Three CSU academic buildings focused on Water, Health, and Food provide an unprecedented opportunity to engage with CSU experts around the challenges we all share and to contribute to the creation of solutions.

There is no place quite like CSU Spur, and CSU Spur Start provides a one-of-a-kind way to launch your CSU undergraduate degree program.


CSU Spur Start Student Experience

CSU Spur Start centers around one of the University’s signature Key Communities. Key Communities are learning communities for first-year, second-year, and continuing students designed to honor the identities and strengths of each student, supporting students’ transition to and through the University.

CSU Spur Start provides unprecedented opportunities for undergraduate coursework, hands-on learning, research, community-focused experiences, and engagement with industry professionals. Students get to select from a curated list of popular CSU courses, all taught in person on the vibrant and innovative Spur campus while counting toward a CSU degree. CSU courses that are offered online are also available to CSU Spur Start students. CSU Spur Start students will participate in regular visits to CSU’s Fort Collins campus for learning experiences, social and athletic events, and a second-year orientation to ensure a seamless transition to CSU Fort Collins.


Price

CSU Spur Start students are eligible for all Colorado State University financial aid opportunities. We encourage all students to apply!

Colorado residents pay in-state tuition and save on living expenses by commuting from home. CSU Spur Start students can experience significant savings of more than $15,000 if they are living at home and not paying for on-campus housing and meals. All CSU Spur Start students save nearly 50% on student fees, a savings of almost $500.

Pell-eligible Colorado residents are expected to qualify for full coverage of tuition and fees. A Colorado-resident student who is not Pell eligible but demonstrates financial need will likely qualify for at least half tuition and fees. 

The Denver Scholarship Foundation provides renewable awards of up to $3,600 for CSU students that can stack with other financial aid provided by CSU!


Eligibility

CSU Spur Start is available to admitted CSU students and is intended for students residing in the Denver metro area.


Housing

Housing at CSU Spur is not provided. The on-campus live-on requirement is specific to the Fort Collins campus and is waived for CSU Spur Start students.


Optional Summer Experience

Get a head start on your coursework and join us for the optional Summer Start program available to CSU Spur Start students. During the Summer Start program, students will enroll in six credits (two courses), engage in academic and experiential learning opportunities, and form long-lasting connections with a community of peers.


Year 2

Continue your journey with your CSU Spur Start Key Community cohort on the Fort Collins campus. Engage in extra opportunities to help you meet your academic and personal goals, including leadership seminars, leadership coaching, exclusive community events, and peer mentoring.


FAQs

  • Can I afford it?
    • With the exemption from the first year on-campus living requirement, students realize significant savings in the cost of attendance. When paired with other financial aid opportunities, including the CSU Tuition+ Promise, Merit Awards, and Partnership awards, some students may have little to no out-of-pocket cost.
    • To be eligible for financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA (federal) and CAFSA (state) applications.
  • Why should I choose to start my CSU career at CSU Spur?
    • CSU Spur and the CSU Spur Start program provide a CSU education right in Denver. This program is designed for area students who are eager to join the Ram Community and advance their professional growth without committing to moving to Fort Collins in their first year. Because CSU Spur Start students are not required to live on campus, the CSU Spur Start program provides an economical entry into CSU degree programs. CSU Spur Start students will enjoy access to some of the most popular CSU courses, small class sizes, and opportunities for experiential learning, research, community engagement, and industry professional interactions.
  • As a CSU Spur Start student, what CSU classes will I take? How are they different from CSU courses offered in Fort Collins?
    • The CSU Spur Start program provides a well curated selection of some of the most popular CSU courses, with a focus on applicability to a majority of CSU majors. CSU Spur Start students will enjoy small class sizes and exceptional instructors while exploring career opportunities and laying a solid educational foundation. All courses offered at CSU Spur are CSU courses.
  • Are my CSU Spur Start courses transferrable to CSU?
    • All CSU Spur Start students are CSU students and all CSU Spur Start courses are CSU classes! Every CSU Spur Start course credit is a CSU course credit. Additionally, the curated list of CSU courses offered at CSU Spur ensures classes will apply to a wide array of CSU majors.
  • What student activities and support services will I receive at CSU Spur?
    • Students receive ongoing small group and one-on-one support as part of their Key Community to help them meet their academic and personal goals. CSU Spur Start activities and support include connection with a peer mentor, access to academic workshops, exclusive events specially designed for Key Community students, and engagement in CSU Fort Collins campus events (transportation will be provided).
    • Students who choose to get a head start on their coursework by joining the Summer Start program will get to participate in community-building activities through field trips to the CSU Fort Collins campus and the CSU Mountain campus. Students will also get the chance to expand their personal network by participating in a networking event with CSU alumni and Denver area industry professionals.
  • As a Spur Start student, can I participate in CSU activities like athletic events?
    • As a CSU student you will receive a RamCard, which will give you access to CSU sporting events and concerts.
  • What happens when I complete my first year as part of the CSU Spur Start program?
    • CSU Spur Start provides a first-year foundation for CSU students. In year 2, CSU Spur Start students will join their peers on the Fort Collins campus. As part of the CSU Spur Start program, CSU Spur Start students are supported by the Key Communities student success staff in a student-focused cohort approach. In year 2, CSU Spur Start students will have the option to continue the cohort experience on the Fort Collins campus, including options for communal living.
  • How do I get to CSU Spur?
    • The CSU Spur campus is located at the National Western Center in the northeast corner of Denver. The site is undergoing a major, multi-year transformation. At present, driving or biking to the CSU Spur campus are the most reliable means of accessing the campus.
    • CSU Spur provides parking on the north side of the Vida Building, and the South Platte River bikeway is easily accessible via the 51st Avenue bridge. Parking is available at the CSU Spur campus at a reduced rate for CSU Spur Start students. Details coming soon.
  • Is housing available at CSU Spur?
    • The CSU Spur campus does not offer student housing at this time.
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