Colorado College vs Colorado School of Mines
Colorado College is very selective with a 20.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Colorado School of Mines (59.7%). Graduates of Colorado School of Mines earn $32,113 more per year at the 10-year mark ($97,335 vs $65,222). For families earning $48k–$75k, Colorado College is more affordable at $12,568 net price vs $22,192. Students at Colorado College graduate with less debt ($18,257 vs $23,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Colorado College has a higher yield rate (34.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Colorado College has a higher median SAT (1450 vs 1400).
Colorado Springs, CO
Golden, CO
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Colorado College is more affordable at $9,217 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $44,141 vs $35,112.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Colorado College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (14%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Colorado College
- 1 Economics$46,087
- 2 Political Science and Government$37,568
- 3 Sociology$25,194
- 4 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences$21,508
- 5 English Language and Literature, General$20,482
Colorado School of Mines
- 1 Computer Science$78,971
- 2 Mining and Mineral Engineering$77,715
- 3 Petroleum Engineering$77,213
- 4 Mathematics$71,854
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$70,886
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Colorado College
- 1 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Economics
- 4 Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- 5 Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Colorado School of Mines
- 1 Mechanical Engineering
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Chemical Engineering
- 4 Civil Engineering
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Colorado College
- International students5%
- Tuition (international)$60,390
- Est. total cost/year$74,256
- School typePublic
Colorado School of Mines
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$37,350
- Est. total cost/year$54,520
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Colorado College or Colorado School of Mines?
Colorado College is more selective with a 20.0% acceptance rate, compared to 59.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Colorado College or Colorado School of Mines?
Colorado School of Mines graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $97,335 compared to $65,222. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Colorado College or Colorado School of Mines?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Colorado College has a lower net price at $12,568 per year vs $22,192. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Colorado College vs Colorado School of Mines?
Colorado College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 86.8%, compared to 80.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Colorado College or Colorado School of Mines?
Colorado School of Mines has a larger international student population at 8% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Colorado College and Colorado School of Mines?
At Colorado College, Economics graduates earn a median of $46,087 within two years. At Colorado School of Mines, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $78,971. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.