A university's mission statement is considered the overarching philosophical policy to which all other policies must conform.
By statute, Colorado State University is a comprehensive graduate research university with selective admission standards. Charged with offering a comprehensive array of baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, it holds exclusive statewide authority for programs in agriculture, forestry, natural resources, and veterinary medicine.
Colorado State University has a unique mission in the state of Colorado. The land-grant concept of a balanced program of teaching, research, extension, and public service provides the foundation for the University teaching and research programs, Agricultural Experiment Station, Colorado State University Extension, and Colorado State Forest Service. The University has long been a leader in recognizing the rapidly changing global environment and has a commitment to excellence in international education in all its instruction, research, and outreach programs. The University continues to make education and training accessible to deserving applicants from all classes and groups and maintains a wide range of research, extension, and public service programs in response to the needs of the people of Colorado, the nation, and the world.