Future Students
Make an Impact with the College of Agricultural Sciences
Join us. Come take your seat at the table and let’s get to work building an exceptional future together.
The CSU College of Agricultural Sciences is part of a global community working at the center of critically important issues facing our world today. Our aim is to prepare you to tackle complex challenges like climate change and ensure a healthy future for people and the planet.
Through scientific inquiry you will learn how plants, animals, soils and people work together to design and sustain our natural resources. We help you build relationships and community with fellow students, faculty and organizations to foster scientific progress. You will become the problem solvers who create positive change for our communities and our planet.
Our College Traditions
The College of Agricultural Sciences is fortunate to have long standing traditions as part of our students’ development while at Colorado State University. As we grow and evolve as an institution we welcome new traditions to mark our important moment in our history.
“A” is for Agriculture. Agricultural science is a foundational part of CSU and continues to influence our university’s culture today. The Aggie A is an enduring reminder of our college’s proud history and a guidepost for shaping the future of CSU. Explore how our traditions keep us united and build our CSU pride.
The Aggie A
A tribute to CSU’s proud tradition as one of the nation’s finest land-grant institutions, the pumpkin and alfalfa colors and the “Aggie A” celebrate CSU’s rich agricultural heritage and impact not only on the state and region, but globally. The College of Agricultural Sciences and CSU Athletics have played a vital role in preserving and displaying this history and tradition through the “Aggie A” decal and “orange-out days” showcasing the early colors of the school.
The Beginning of Agricultural Sciences
In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act, creating the land grant mission for states to create public colleges. Colorado State opened its doors eight years after the Act was signed. We were originally known as Colorado A&M and were historically known as “Aggies.”
Over the years Colorado A&M outgrew its name and was renamed in 1957 to Colorado State University and the school adopted “Rams” as the nickname. But, our College still holds on to the original nickname “Aggie,” to honor our heritage and show pride in our agricultural history.
Painting the A
The College of Agricultural Sciences spearheads the annual “painting the A” event, the second-longest tradition in school history. Our College feels it is important for every individual associated with CSU to recognize the importance of the land-grant mission. As alumni, students, employees, and supporters of CSU, we all carry the responsibility to uphold and enhance the proud tradition that is represented by the Aggie A.
CAM the Ram
CAM the Ram is the official animal ambassador of Colorado State and is cared for by a group of student volunteers called the Ram Handlers. In 1945, the first CAM the Ram made his debut at a basketball game against Denver University. He was officially named our animal ambassador CAM the Ram the same year, during halftime at a basketball game versus our archival, University of Wyoming.
Ag Day
Ag Day celebrates and promotes Colorado agriculture before a home CSU football game each fall. Ag Day has been a longstanding tradition for many, where you can enjoy delicious food, interact with alumni, friends, and students. Our academic departments and student organizations rollout fun, interactive demonstration booths where you can see how we do agricultural sciences at CSU.
For several years, AgDay has been an important fundraiser for scholarships available to AgSci students. So far, we have awarded over $500,000.
Ram Welcome
At the start of each fall semester, Colorado State University welcomes freshmen and transfer students to campus with a orientation called Ram Welcome, with a day devoted to special activities in students’ academic college. The program helps new students connect to our academic community — a key to college success. They interact with faculty members, learn about college programs, meet new friends and take part in team-building. The College’s Ram Welcome is capped with formation of a human “A” for agriculture, Aggies, academics, and our Ag family.
Student Engagement
We know the lessons and skills you learn outside the classroom and labs are an important part of your preparation for the future. That’s why engagement and involvement is an area we are so proud of. We offer undergraduate research fellowships and student clubs that are related to every major we offer. You can also compete nationally with one of our student teams.
Student Leadership
We want you to get all the experience you need to develop the leadership qualities most important to your academic interests. We support and offer several leadership programs where you’ll get to build relationships with mentors and industry leaders. Some of our stand out programs include Ag Ambassadors, Animal Science Stewards, the DARE Diplomats, and the Ag Council. You can also set yourself up for the future by joining the leadership in your favorite student club or team.
Finances and Scholarships
We are proud to award more than $1.4 million annually in scholarships to our AgSci students. Over 550 of our students get scholarship financial support made possible by our generous donors. They understand the value of investing in you as a vital part of sustaining agriculture and our collective future.
Who is Eligible?
Current and future students can apply for scholarships by completing the CSU Scholarship Application. Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students are available.
Your single application via the CSUSA allows you to apply for every scholarship you qualify for. Our faculty selection committee pairs your application with all available scholarships. When submitting your CSUSA, be sure to complete all sections including the general section and all recommended opportunities. This will ensure you qualify for as many opportunities as you can.
Apply Every Year
Important Reminder: Submit the CSU Scholarship Application every year even if your scholarship is renewable. The CSUSA is available in RAMweb from October 1 to March 1 at 11:00 p.m. (MST) each year to determine scholarship recipients for the following academic year.
Scholarship Opportunities
CSU A – Z Scholarship Listing (Click on “Show Filters” and select College of Agricultural Sciences or other desired filters.)
Apply for Scholarship
The CSUSA is available in RAMweb from October 1 to March 1 at 11:00 p.m. (MST) each year to determine scholarship recipients for the following academic year. You must have a student eID to access the application. More information.
The CSUSA for the 2022-2023 academic year is available on RAMweb October 1, 2021 through March 1, 2022. You must have a student eID to access the application. More information.
Scholarships Outside our College
Many of our industry partners offer scholarship programs. Scholarship opportunities outside CSU and College of Agricultural Sciences.
Additional Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to live in Fort Collins?
Located in northern Colorado, Fort Collins is nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains and offers exciting recreational opportunities, unique cultural offerings, and is a regional center for employment and shopping. Throughout the year, live music and entertainment, as well as great local dining, can be found throughout the historic downtown area. Fort Collins offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a larger city. For more information about Fort Collins, please visit the City of Fort Collins Website.
What should I do if I’m interested in transferring to Colorado State University?
Visit CSU’s website for transfer students to find out everything you need to know about transferring to Colorado State University.
Where will I live and eat while I’m a student at CSU?
Colorado State University has numerous housing and dining options for students. You can learn more by visiting the housing services website. Additional information about living off-campus can be found at the Off Campus Student Services website.
How do I become a Ram fan?
Colorado State University is a member of the Mountain West Athletic Conference and competes in 16 intercollegiate sports. Visit the CSU Department of Athletics to learn more. GO RAMS!
Are there computing and technology requirements?
For information on general computing and information technology needs in the College and at the University visit our about page.
Need additional information for parents?
For additional information on Colorado State University and to explore our academic programs visit out parents and families site.
How can I pay for college?
Often one of the big challenges for students and parents is planning a way to pay for college. The Office of Financial Aid at Colorado State University offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship resources for students and their parents.
What are student financial services?
The Office of Financial Aid includes information on the cost of attending CSU; a budget calculator; an overview of scholarships, grants and loans; student employment opportunities, work study; and more.
Where can I find scholarships?
By completing the CSU Scholarship Application, you are applying for all scholarships in the College of Agricultural Sciences at the same time. An alphabetical list of all College of Agricultural Sciences scholarships is available to review. Thanks to the generosity of many alumni and friends, the College of Agricultural Sciences awards more than $1 million in scholarships annually. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement, and leadership, as well as provide crucial financial support to our students. Scholarships range in value from five hundred to several thousand dollars.
What is the college opportunity fund?
The College Opportunity Fund provides state-tax dollars to colleges and universities on behalf of eligible undergraduate students. The Fund was created by an Act of the Colorado State Legislature in May 2004 to heighten a
awareness that state tax dollars are used to offset the costs of undergraduate education.