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Undergraduate > First-Year Students > Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the admissions standards for entering freshman?
A. As a prospective freshman, you are evaluated on the content and rigor of your high school coursework, grades or high school rank, and standardized test scores. You must successfully graduate from high school and have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. You must complete and submit the undergraduate application and send official transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Your file will be reviewed and you must score an 86 or higher on the CCHE index chart and meet HEAR requirements. This score can be achieved by various combinations of high school GPA or class rank and ACT composite or SAT combined score.
Q. As a first-year student, when should I apply?
A. You may apply once you’ve completed your junior year (6 semesters) of high school. It’s to your advantage to apply as early as possible, but recommended you apply by December 15 of your senior year.
You may apply as a transfer student once you have accumulated 13 or more transferable semester hours of college credit from an accredited institution.
Q. What standardized tests are required for first-year students?
A. We require either the ACT or SAT for admission. Your test scores must be sent directly from the testing service or from the high school to be considered official. The University’s school code for the ACT test is 0524 and the SAT test code is 4611.
Q. What financial aid packages are available to me?
A. We offer a variety of options to help you finance your college education. The priority deadline to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is March 1; however, we encourage you to submit the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible because funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. You should also complete the online scholarship application by March 1.
Q. What does it cost to attend CSU-Pueblo?
A. The Board of Trustees meets annually to determine tuition and fees for the upcoming year.
Q. What is the College Opportunity Fund (COF)?
A. COF provides a stipend to eligible undergraduate students. For more information click here. To apply for COF click here.
Q. May freshmen have cars on campus?
A. Yes! You can park your car on campus if you purchase a parking permit from Auxiliary Services located in the Occhiato University Center.
Q. Does CSU-Pueblo give credit for AP and/or IB classes?
A. We participate in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Under the program, outstanding secondary school students may take certain college-level courses in their own high schools. If you have taken the AP Examination and received scores of 3, 4, or 5, you will be granted University credit once the Admissions Office receives an official score report.
The University recognizes the IB program as a rigorous pre-university course of study for highly motivated secondary students. If you successfully complete the IB program and examination(s), you’re eligible to receive credit and advanced placement standing at CSU-Pueblo.
Q. Why must I prove 'lawful presence' in Colorado?
A. HB 1023 is a Colorado law that requires students who are receiving public benefits to prove they are lawfully present in the United States. Public benefits include in-state tuition. Students must prove they are lawfully present by providing valid identification and by signing an affadavit. Students who fail to do so must be denied public benefits.
Q. Is there public transportation?
A. Public transportation is available through the city’s bus system. Two bus stops are located on campus--one in front of the Buell Communications Center and the other in front of the Belmont Residence Hall. Prices, times, and destinations can be found on the city’s website.
Q. What division II athletics do you offer?
A. Men: basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, soccer, football, wrestling
Women: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, *track and field
You can read more information about our athletics program at their website.
Q. Does CSU-Pueblo offer student exchange programs?
A. Yes, both national (within the US and its territories) and international exchange opportunities are available. National Student Exchange opportunities will be available beginning fall 2008. Opportunities for International Exchange are presently available in China, France, Germany, Korea, Mexico, and Thailand.
To find out more about National Student Exchange, go to the NSE website.
For further information regarding study abroad programs, please contact the Center for International Programs at (719) 549-2329
Undergraduate > Transfer Students > Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the requirements for transfer student admission to CSU-Pueblo?
A. As a transfer student, you must submit an application for admission, a $25 application fee, and official college transcripts. You will be considered a first-time student if you have completed less than 13 transferable semester hours of college credit. You should also submit official ACT or SAT scores and official high school transcripts or GED scores. You must be in good standing at the institution you last attended and have at least a 2.3 grade-point average.
Q. How long does it take to process my application for admission?
A. This is typically a function of how soon we receive all of the information necessary to render a decision on your application. In most cases, we will be able to determine your admissibility within 2 weeks of receipt of your application, fee, transcripts, and test scores (if required).
Q. How will I know which of my transfer credits will be accepted by CSU-Pueblo?
A. Approximately 2 weeks after you have been accepted to CSU-Pueblo, an official evaluation of transfer credit will be completed and sent to you. The evaluation will include courses CSU-Pueblo has accepted in transfer and specific general education requirements completed. For an unofficial estimate, you should schedule an appointment with a Transfer Counselor by contacting our Visitor and Transfer Center.
Q. As a transfer student when can I register for classes?
A. You will be able to register for classes as soon as you are admitted to the University and you have received your official evaluation of transfer credits. However, you should make an appointment with your major advisor prior to registration to ensure you will be taking appropriate courses towards your degree.
Undergraduate > International Students > Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use my international driver’s license in Colorado? How much does it cost to buy a car and mandatory automobile insurance?
A. Yes, your international driver’s license can be used for driving in Colorado while you are a non-resident student. The cost of a vehicle, as in any country, depends on the make, model and year of the car. Used cars are generally less expensive than new cars, but more money may be paid in maintenance costs over the driving period. Insurance costs vary according to a driver’s gender, age, driving experience, and type of vehicle that is being insured. Depending on your grades, you may be eligible for a "good student discount" offered through most insurance agencies. Liability vehicle insurance is the minimum insurance requirement in the state of Colorado and must be obtained upon purchasing a vehicle.
Q. What is the weather like in Pueblo, Colorado?
A. Pueblo is in a semi arid region, therefore, it is hot in the summer and cold (with snowfall) in the winter. Temperatures vary during the spring and autumn seasons. Suitable clothing can be purchased upon arrival, but items such as a winter coat (if arriving in January) should be brought from home if possible. The CIP homepage has a link to weather information.
Q. What is the public transportation system like in Pueblo?
A. There is a public bus system in Pueblo that visits the campus throughout the day at 15-minute intervals. The buses do not run at night or on Sundays. Students can pay a monthly rate for citywide bus usage. Taxi service is also available, but is not as prevalent as in larger cities. Many students rely on bicycles to assist them with transportation needs.
Q. Where are the ski resorts in Colorado and what is the cost to ski?
A. Colorado has an abundance of snow skiing resorts (over 20), some within shorter distances of the campus.
Visit SkiResorts.com for more specific information on various resorts.
Also, the Outdoor Pursuits Program (formerly Experiential Learning Center) of the CSU-Pueblo campus offers student trips throughout the ski season at greatly reduced cost. Check out the Outdoor Pursuits website for more information on pending and past trips.
Q. Is it cheaper to live on campus or off?
A. First of all, unmarried freshmen under the age of 21 with a home address of more than 50 miles from campus must live in University Housing. Single, freshmen, under the age of 21 whose parents’ principle residence is located within 50 miles of campus may elect to reside in University Housing but otherwise must reside with their parents. If you’re an upperclassmen or graduate student, you have the option to live on-campus in the Walking Stick Village Apartment complex. To find out more about housing, visit :
CSU Pueblo Housing
Q. Will there be local food markets where I can buy food items from my country?
A. There are ethnic food aisles in the major grocery stores in the Pueblo area. Also, Colorado Springs and Denver have various Asian food markets and other special interest stores.
Q. Can I speak or write to someone from my own country who is currently attending CSU-Pueblo?
A. Yes, several students provide us with permission to give out their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Just contact the CIP with your request at 719.549.2329.
Q. Can you tell me how many students from my country are attending CSU-Pueblo?
A. Yes, this information can be found at:
International Programs website
Q. Are there additional scholarships available on campus, other than the ISIP?
A. In addition to the ISIP scholarship, other funds are available on an application (competitive) basis. A scholarship booklet can be obtained by contacting the CIP or the Office of Financial Services with your request. Most scholarship applications have an early spring deadline for fall award consideration.
Q. Does CSU-Pueblo offer English language instruction?
A. Yes, we offer ELI Instruction.
Q. When requesting official test scores from ETS, what institutional code should I use?
A. The institutional school code for CSU-Pueblo is 4611.
Admission Requirements:
- Application - completed application with fee ($30 for undergraduate students; $35 for graduate students). The fee must be an international money order, traveler’s check, or a check written from a US bank with routing number.
- Proof of English proficiency - a minimum TOEFL score of 500 (paper based) is required for most programs – nursing and the master of business administration programs require a minimum 550 TOEFL score).
- Transcripts – high school transcripts, verifying graduation, are required for undergraduate students. If you are transferring, you must also provide college transcripts from each institution attended. The transcripts must be official and provided in both the native and English languages. If you’re graduating from a US high school, you must also submit an ACT or SAT score.
- Financial Certification – proof must be provided that enough funding is available for study/living at the CSU-Pueblo campus for a minimum of one year at the non-resident rate. This certification requires a letter from a sponsoring person/agency and accompanying bank statement showing sufficient funds are available. Click here for current Tuition and Fees.
- If you’re a graduate student, you must also submit the proper GRE or GMAT test score, and proof of bachelor degree (equivalency) completion.
IF YOU ARE AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TRANSFERING WITHIN THE US, YOU MUST ALSO PROVIDE PROOF THAT YOU HAVE MAINTAINED GOOD VISA STATUS AT YOUR CURRENT OR PREVIOUS SCHOOL. A FORMAL RELEASE IN THE SEVIS SYSTEM MUST ALSO BE PROVIDED BY THE CURRENT SCHOOL TO CSU-PUEBLO.
Undergraduate > Returning Students > Frequently Asked Questions
Q. As a returning student, when do I have to apply for readmission?
A. If you have not been enrolled in classes for two or more regular semesters, not including summer, you are required to apply for readmission to CSU-Pueblo.
Q. How do I apply for readmission?
A. You’ll need to complete an application for admission and pay a $25 reapplication fee. If you have attended another college or university since leaving CSU-Pueblo, please submit official transcripts. If you have a cumulative GPA below 2.0 for CSU-Pueblo coursework, you must submit a written statement detailing your previous academic difficulties, how you plan to overcome them, and any other relevant information.
Q. How long does it take to process an application for readmission?
A. Most applications are processed in one week; however, if you have attended another college, the application cannot be processed until official transcripts are received, which can take 2-3 weeks.
Q. As a returning student, when can I register for classes?
A. After you receive your acceptance letter, you may make an appointment with your faculty advisor to register at your convenience.