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Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO · Public

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59.7%
Acceptance
1400
SAT
$54,520
Sticker Price
$25,347
Net Price*
$97,335
Earnings
1.6 yrs
Payback
9,821
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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What is Colorado School of Mines's acceptance rate?

Up 10.5 percentage points since 2018

With a 59.7% acceptance rate, Colorado School of Mines is considered moderately selective. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Colorado School of Mines?

Colorado School of Mines received 9,821 applications in 2023, down 22% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 25% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Colorado School of Mines?

Mechanical Engineering leads as the most popular major at Colorado School of Mines. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Colorado School of Mines?

Out-of-state tuition has increased by 31% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 34% from $40,606 to $54,520.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do Colorado School of Mines graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Computer Science earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $78,971 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Computer Science $78,971
$17,846 $160,116
Mining and Mineral Engineering $77,715
$17,846 $160,116
Petroleum Engineering $77,213
$17,846 $160,116
Mathematics $71,854
$17,846 $160,116
Electrical, Electronics and Co... $70,886
$17,846 $160,116
Metallurgical Engineering $67,420
$17,846 $160,116
Biomedical/Medical Engineering $66,541
$17,846 $160,116
Engineering, General $65,131
$17,846 $160,116
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Colorado School of Mines Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 9,821 5,864 59.7% 24.7%
2022 10,886 6,314 58.0% 23.9%
2021 12,022 6,838 56.9% 21.2%
2020 12,044 6,620 55.0% 17.7%
2019 11,756 6,240 53.1% 20.5%
2018 12,661 6,228 49.2% 19.3%
2017 10,618 5,916 55.7% 19.2%
2016 12,284 4,957 40.4% 19.7%
2015 11,752 4,427 37.7% 22.7%

Is Colorado School of Mines worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

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Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
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What do Colorado School of Mines graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$97,335
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$25,400 $97,335 median $136,700

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $25,400 while the top 10% earn $136,700. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$82,950
Median Debt
$23,000
6-Year Graduation Rate
79.4%

How much does Colorado School of Mines cost?

The total cost of attendance at Colorado School of Mines is approximately $54,520 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$16,650
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,350
Fees
$2,450
Room & Board
$14,720
Total Cost of Attendance
$54,520

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $19,231
$30-48k income $19,616
$48-75k income $25,347
$75-110k income $30,370
$110k+ income $33,931

Which majors pay the most?

  • Computer Science $78,971
  • Mining and Mineral Engineering $77,715
  • Petroleum Engineering $77,213
  • Mathematics $71,854
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $70,886

Who attends Colorado School of Mines?

Colorado School of Mines enrolls 7,599 students, with 8% from outside the United States. Women make up 32% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 7,599
Retention Rate 93%
International 8%
Women 32%
Race/Ethnicity
White 65%
Hispanic 12%
Asian 6%
Black 1%

How much financial aid is available?

84% of students receive some form of financial aid at Colorado School of Mines. About 13% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 84%
Avg: $10,790 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 13%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 34%
Avg: $6,370
School's Own Grants 93%
Avg: $10,081 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Colorado School of Mines are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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