Apologies for leading the discussion away from CSU and how they may be overlooked as a program. My point in the last post was to share that comparisons between CSU to CU or BYU are difficult to make. I provided some thoughts that brought in a tangential topic. I'll attempt to comment BRIEFLY in response to one post below.
I agree that the Faith and cost of the school alone doesn't guarantee recruiting success, but I do believe it provides a significant advantage beyond what many/most other schools have. I'm not being critical or saying that recruiting advantage is unfair; it simply is what it is.
Where I would contend that "fairness" comes into play is in roster size limits so that programs like BYU (and many others) who carry 20-30+ distance runners had a limit. I think it would be better for the sport at the collegiate level, but that is a discussion for a different thread if someone wants to start that.
"Back in 2008 when I was enrolled in college in the state of Utah. I believe my tuition costs were on par with the tuition costs of BYU. Since that time BYU's has gone up 45%. The public University I attended has gone up 70%. Right now it's about $400 dollars more a semester not a crazy difference, so the cost of enrolling at some of the other major distance programs in the state isn't all that more cost prohibitive. "
In a quick google search I found that in-state undergraduate tuition and fees per year are roughly:
BYU - $5300 (recruiting advantage for in-state kids who are members of the Church since cost is about the same/slightly cheaper; BYU is typically their 1st choice because it is a Church school coupled with a wonderful distance program)
Weber - $5500
Utah State - $7400
Out-of-State is the same for BYU at $5300 (recruiting advantage; can bring in kids from other states EASILY)
Weber - $14,700 (DISadvantage for out-of-state recruits from CO; would need to check other states)
Utah State - $20,500 (DISadvantage for out-of-state recruits from CO; would need to check other states)
Colorado State - In-State $11,000; Out of State $28,300
Colorado - In-State $11,500; Out of State $35,000