About Colorado School of Mines
Students pay an average net price of $29,240 after aid, which proves to be an outstanding investment. Graduates earn a median of $97,335 ten years after graduation, making this one of the highest-earning programs in the country. The typical graduate leaves with just $23,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $244. With a 96.7% employment rate, Mines delivers strong return on investment for its technical focus.
The Orediggers compete in NCAA Division II with 18 varsity sports and 288 total athletes. The school's 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in demanding engineering coursework. A 93% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the rigorous but rewarding academic environment. Golden's location provides access to outdoor recreation while maintaining proximity to Denver's tech industry.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 76.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 80.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 79.4%
- Retention Rate
- 93.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $97,335
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $91,744 |
| Economics. | Master | $80,336 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $78,971 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $77,966 |
| Geological/Geophysical Engineering. | Master | $77,715 |
| Mining and Mineral Engineering. | Bachelor | $77,715 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $77,213 |
| Mining and Mineral Engineering. | Master | $76,460 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $73,949 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $71,854 |
Campus Life
The 68% male student body creates a tight-knit engineering community where study groups are essential for survival. Students spend weekends skiing at nearby resorts, hiking in the Rockies, or exploring Denver's breweries and music scene. The famous "M Climb" tradition has freshmen painting the giant "M" on Mount Zion each fall. With a 93% retention rate, most students quickly adapt to the rigorous coursework and collaborative culture. The Orediggers compete in 18 Division II sports, though academic competitions like the International Collegiate Programming Contest often draw bigger crowds than football games.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,280 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1873
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–45°F
- July Avg
- 60°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 18.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 62.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 67.9%
- Women
- 32.1%
- White
- 68.1%
- Black
- 1.4%
- Hispanic
- 13.0%
- Asian
- 6.5%
- In-State Students
- 52.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.3%
Location
- Address
- Golden, Colorado 80401
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $97,335
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $98,029
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $74,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 90.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Colorado School of Mines?
Colorado School of Mines accepts 58% of applicants, making it moderately selective for an engineering school. Admitted students typically score between 1330-1488 on the SAT, reflecting the rigorous STEM-focused curriculum that has made Mines a top destination for future engineers since 1873.
How much does Colorado School of Mines cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $29,240 annually at Colorado School of Mines. Only 13.33% of students receive need-based financial aid, largely because many families can afford the investment given that graduates earn a median of $97,335 ten years after graduation.
What academic programs is Colorado School of Mines known for?
Colorado School of Mines specializes in engineering and applied sciences focused on earth, energy, and environment. The school maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and has built a reputation as one of the nation's top institutions for mining, petroleum, and geological engineering since its founding during Colorado's mining boom.
What are the career outcomes for Colorado School of Mines graduates?
Colorado School of Mines boasts a 96.7% employment rate with graduates earning some of the highest starting salaries in the country. Alumni command a median salary of $97,335 ten years post-graduation, reflecting the school's strong industry connections and the high demand for engineers in energy and natural resources sectors.
Where is Colorado School of Mines located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Golden, Colorado, a large suburb nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With 5,801 students and housing for 2,280 on campus, the close-knit community of Orediggers enjoys easy access to outdoor recreation while maintaining the focused academic culture of a specialized technical institution.
Does Colorado School of Mines have a diverse student body?
The student body is 68% male and 32% female, typical for engineering schools, with 68% white students and growing Hispanic enrollment at 13%. About 53% of students come from Colorado, while the school attracts out-of-state students willing to pay higher tuition for Mines' specialized programs and strong alumni network in the energy industry.
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