<p>I have questions for those of you in Colorado. TwinE is showing some interest in Colorado State's equine science program and TwinK got some interesting mail from Western State College of Colorado. If any of you know anything about either campus I would like very much to hear what you have to say. Thanks!</p>
<p>I live in Fort Collins and am a graduate of Colorado State (albeit long ago-LOL)
CSU's Equine Science Program is without a doubt one of the best in the country.
They also have a Vet School which I believe is rated #2 (very high regardless). CSU has somewhere around 25, 000 students at the present time.
Fort Collins is a great town too. Pop about 130,000 but has a small town feel.
Western State is in the mountains in Colorado. It academic profile nowhere matches CSU's.<br>
Let me know what you would like to know and I will do my best to help you out.</p>
<p>Thanks Nikkistar: I have never heard anyone say anything negative about Fort Collins. What airport do you use? is there one locally? I think my D would really like the program at CSU but she isn't sure she wants to focus just on horses. They are doing a semi local info session but we won't be able to attend. Do you know any Western State grads? I know it is easier to get into but it has some other qualities that are appealing to my other D so I am curious.</p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>
<p>I really Like Fort Collins but check into the funding of the program. The Colorado Publics have really taken some significant budget cuts. I would also expect possibly significant tuition increases for OOS if the budget problems continue.</p>
<p>If you are from Certain Western State CSU is a WUE school so a possible significant discount in OOS tuition is possible.</p>
<p>Hi historymom:
There is a local airport in Loveland which is the next town south from Fort Collins but they have limited flights.<br>
Most people just fly in and out of DIA. There are shuttles that run from DIA to several Fort Collins hotels including the Hilton which is right across the street from campus.<br>
The Ag program at CSU has several areas of focus and your daughter can check out all that online if she wishes. CSU also has the Pre-Vet program if she wants to go that route. A coworker's daughter is actually in the Equine Science program and I am sure he would be glad to answer any questions --so ask away!!</p>
<p>I do not know anyone offhand who has graduated from Western State but I do know several kids who go there now. Most are runners and they went there for the cross country program. One of my son's good friends is going there this year and he is not a runner--but he just started so he will not be much help.
Gunnison does get very cold in the winter. Very cold--LOL!! </p>
<p>And yes, Fort Collins is great.</p>
<p>have heard good things about western state. you might also check out kansas state.........i read that they were breaking ground in 2007 on a new equine education center. i don't know the current status on that though.</p>
<p>I would not recommend Western State at all, and especially not to anyone who would be paying OOS tuition. This campus is often mentioned as a candidate for closure due to budget cuts... and known primarily for its proximity to skiing/snowboarding at Crested Butte. The school is located in a somewhat remote -- gorgeous but remote -- area and not terribly easy to get to from Denver, which is where the cheaper flights would land. It in no way compares to CSU, a well regarded school in general, and certainly not to CSU's nationally renown vet school and pre-vet/equine science programs. </p>
<p>Fort Collins is a wonderful town/city (often rated among the best places to live in the US) and great little college town.</p>
<p>Hi Historymom,</p>
<p>My experience is with CU-Boulder (both my kids go there), so I don't have personal experience, only anecdotal. From folks I know that have attended there, Western State's strongest area is their business program. Gunnison is remote, although the outdoor activities are amazing. I know quite a few classmates of my kids who go to CSU, and they are very happy there with the school and the Fort Collins experience. Their animal science programs are some of the best in the country. Your best bet for cheapest flights in and out for both schools is Denver International Airport.</p>
<p>Thanks all for the input. I am pretty sure one or both of my DDs will put CSU on her list. Apreciate the info re Western State and using DIA. Now I can check out airfare and factor them in. </p>
<p>Appreciate the offers of help and will likely take you up on them at a later date.</p>
<p>Agree that CSU has some very strong and respected animal science offerings. We looked when d was investigating her very specific animal care program. She did not apply ('05 hs grad), did not want to be that far from home, but it was one of the three that was in serious contention.</p>
<p>Some hearsay grumbling that lack of state funding is hurting the Colorado publics; I recall a couple of specific comments, threads you might want to do a search for.</p>
<p>historymom, aren't you from CA (or am I mistaken). I don't think CSU can top Davis as far as animal science programs. Even CalPoly (either of them) is pretty high up there.</p>
<p>csleslie I am. Both girls are applying to UCD and Cal Poly but the specific equine science program at CSU is attractive to TwinE. Plus with 45% admit rate at CPSLO and UCD's wacky admissions season last year I thought CSU might be a good admit and $ safety. Meanwhile our favorite Oregon school remains close to the top of the list for both girls. The pre vet club and solid sciences there are really attractive.</p>