At $29,240/yr net price, Colorado School of Mines graduates earn $97,335/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $63,335/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,240 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $116,960 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $97,335/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$63,335/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,231/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,616/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,347/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,370/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,931/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $91,744 | $20,500 |
| Economics. | Master | $80,336 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $78,971 | $22,500 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $77,966 | $23,150 |
| Geological/Geophysical Engineering. | Master | $77,715 | |
| Mining and Mineral Engineering. | Bachelor | $77,715 | |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $77,213 | $26,500 |
| Mining and Mineral Engineering. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $73,949 | $30,500 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $71,854 |
The Risk Factor
79.4% of students at Colorado School of Mines graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 21% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Colorado School of Mines delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $97,335 ten years after graduation, making it one of the strongest ROI engineering schools in the country. Your net price of $29,240 annually leads to median debt of just $23,000, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio that few technical schools can match.
Computer Science graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $91,744, while Economics majors pull in $80,336. Even the lower-earning engineering specialties still command $77,000+ starting salaries. The school's proximity to Denver's growing tech sector and Colorado's energy industry creates strong regional demand for Mines graduates across all programs.
Your biggest financial risk is the 79% graduation rate, which lags behind the school's academic reputation. If you struggle with the intensive STEM coursework, you could end up with debt but no degree. The 93% retention rate suggests most students who make it past freshman year will finish.
Mines makes financial sense if you're committed to engineering or computer science and can handle the academic rigor. The relatively low debt load and high earning potential create a compelling investment. However, if you're uncertain about your major or prefer a broader liberal arts education, you'll find better options elsewhere.
Only 13% of students receive need-based aid, indicating most families pay the full net price. Merit scholarships exist but competition is fierce given the school's strong applicant pool. Colorado residents get significant tuition advantages, making this an especially good deal for in-state students pursuing technical careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado School of Mines worth the high tuition cost?
Yes, for most students. With median debt of $23,000 and average earnings of $97,335 ten years after graduation, graduates typically pay off their loans quickly. The strong return on investment comes from high-demand engineering and computer science programs.
What makes Colorado School of Mines graduates earn more than other colleges?
The school focuses almost exclusively on engineering, computer science, and applied sciences - fields that command high starting salaries. Computer science graduates average over $91,000, while even lower-paying majors like geological engineering still earn around $77,000.
How much debt do Colorado School of Mines students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $23,000, which is manageable given graduate earning potential. Most students can pay this off within a few years of graduation given the average $97,000 salary.
Are all programs at Colorado School of Mines financially worth it?
Most programs offer strong returns, but some pay significantly better than others. Computer science leads at over $91,000, while engineering-related fields average around $78,000. Even the lower-paying programs still offer solid career prospects in growing industries.